Oats and barley are two different types of crops, but they are both grown around the world. They are eaten by both people and pets. But when it comes to their nutritional value, they are completely different from each other. Read more about the difference between these cereals, how to distinguish them, and what is better to add to the diet, read in the material.
Description of crops
The scientific name for oats is Avena sativa (common oats). This is an annual herb that is grown for seed. Some of its species are used for the production of oatmeal, but more often it is grown as a feed crop for livestock. It is very popular in healthy diets and in various diets. It is high in protein, calcium, fiber and vitamin E.
The scientific name for barley is Hordeum vulgare (common barley). It belongs to annual herbs with high nutritional value. This is a whole grain product that has high fiber and low fat content.
Barley is one of the earliest cereal crops that people began to grow. Among medieval peasants, this was the most popular cereal. It is also grown as animal feed. We use it in the form of pearl barley for cooking stews and soups. Bread from barley flour, which was baked in antiquity, is still relevant in culinary recipes of different nations. In addition, barley is used to produce distilled drinks and beer.Important! A diet high in fiber, including oats, and high in protein can prevent the accumulation of visceral fat.
The main differences between barley and oats
One of the main differences is the way they eat cereals. But both products can be included in the daily diet, because they help prevent various diseases and pathologies, in accordance with their chemical composition.
The main recommendations for the use of products:
Oats: | Barley: |
|
|
The difference in chemical composition and calories
Both products have the nutritional value they can provide. Oats are undoubtedly nutritious and healthy. The amount of protein per serving is twice as much as that of barley. But in the latter there is a huge amount of fiber, much more than in the composition of oats.
Nutrition and energy value: | Oats: | Barley: |
|
|
|
Comparing the vitamin and mineral composition of products, you can also see a number of differences. The values shown are percentages of the recommended daily dose for 100 g of the starting product.
Structure: | Oats: | Barley: |
|
|
|
Having studied the numbers, we can conclude that whole grains are an excellent choice for a daily menu. But preference should be given to what the body requires. Thus, fiber, which is contained in barley, helps to feel full and helps to improve the gastrointestinal tract.
Barley grain, which was cleaned only from the outer shell, is more useful than pearl barley, prepared from it and polished, it does not have so much fiber. If you need a snack after a workout or active physical labor, then also choose oats. Those who need a low-calorie breakfast should eat oatmeal. It is fast, tasty and satisfying.
Did you know? In many nations, barley was dedicated to the Mother Goddess and was considered the most beautiful cereal. A lot of songs, signs and sayings are composed about him.
Appearance
The oat that grows in the field is grass up to 1.7 m high. It belongs to the cereal family.
Therefore, it has the same external characteristics as the other cereals:
- fibrous root system without a pronounced central stem;
- the stalk is straight, hollow inside, consisting of 2–4 internodes;
- leaves are alternate, rough, 20–45 × 1-3 cm in size;
- small flowers are gathered in a panicle, on one stem there can be several pieces;
- the fruit is a caryopsis.
This culture loves cool temperatures and heavy rains. The harvested crop is fried at high temperature along with the husk. This gives the grains a wonderful creamy taste. If you remove the husk before frying, then the taste will not be so bright. After firing and removing the hard shell, the grains are gently ground to sand the surface. Then crushed, getting different texture products.
Barley is also a cereal grass, but unlike oats, it can be an annual or perennial plant. Its spike is similar to wheat, but it is more spinous, so much that it resembles a small broom - this is called a “complex spike”.
Botanical features of the plant:
- the root system is fibrous;
- leaves - folded, pressed to the stem;
- spikelets are collected in bunches;
- the fruit is a caryopsis.
Barley is planted either in spring or in autumn. Winter, despite the high productivity, has a lower quality than spring. Therefore, the first is used in brewing, and the second is eaten.
Food barley is presented in 2 types:
- farro - grain, high in fiber, which is used to make soups and stews;
- polished barley - It is used for the preparation of baby food and cereals.
Barley kernels are surrounded by a hard inedible husk. Therefore, it is cleaned before proceeding with further processing. But there is also barley, the shell of which falls during the assembly process. This variety retains all its beneficial qualities that would be lost in the process. Barley flakes resemble oatmeal, etc. are created in the same way - the kernels are steamed, rolled out and dried.Did you know? Barley porridge is easier to digest than oats. It is usually prepared in milk and fed to recovering patients.
Effect on the body
One of the important rules of nutritionists is: “Any treatment to which a product is exposed makes it more harmful (or less useful) than before the processing.” And the more intensively processed, the worse. Therefore, when it comes to oatmeal, whole grains are healthier than cereals or flour obtained from them. The result of the processing is also a noticeable improvement in taste and a reduction in cooking time. And these factors are also very important.
One of the most common reasons cereals are processed is to reduce cooking time. The oats will be boiled for about 60 minutes, and the oatmeal is ready in a couple of minutes. Not every hostess has an hour to make breakfast. But, fortunately, today you can put oats in a slow cooker or a double boiler in the evening, set a timer and get a fine porridge rich in nutrients in the morning.Important! Eating sprouted barley daily for 4–24 weeks reduces symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
The basic cooking time for oats to varying degrees of processing is:
- oat grain from which the husk is removed - 60 min .;
- Hercules flakes - 10–20 min .;
- instant flakes - 1 min.
Important! Most barley sold in supermarkets is pearl barley. And although it is a refined grain, pearl barley is much healthier than other refined grains. The cooking time of this porridge is 10–20 minutes.
Beneficial features
- There are a number of reasons why oatmeal is a healthy food:
- it lowers cholesterol - soluble fiber forms a viscous gel in the gastrointestinal tract, which provides this function, it also stabilizes the level of glucose in the blood;
- the antioxidants contained in it have an anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effect, support the work of the heart and provide it with additional protection against coronary disease;
- it is a balanced breakfast rich in vitamins and minerals;
- there is no gluten in it, which means those who can’t eat the rest of the cereal can use oats instead;
- its fiber provides a pleasant feeling of fullness in the stomach.
Increased consumption of plant foods, including barley, reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Among the beneficial properties of barley are mentioned:
- help in weight loss;
- lowering blood pressure;
- improvement of the lipid profile of the blood with a decrease in cholesterol;
- digestion improvement;
- its fiber, consisting of insoluble fibers, is able to act on abdominal fat, which is formed due to metabolic disorders;
- prevents the formation of stones in the gallbladder;
- reduces the risk of heart disease.
Harm and contraindications
Cereals are safe for most people. But they contain gluten - a substance that causes an allergic reaction. Thus, if you are allergic to gluten, then you should not eat all cereals, with the exception of oats. There is no such protein in it.
In young children, oats cause bloating and excessive flatulence. To avoid this, it is recommended to introduce oatmeal into the baby’s diet no earlier than six months after birth. You should start with a small portion, gradually increasing it.Important! Our body is able to absorb soluble fiber to a certain limit. So, everything that exceeds 10 g is not absorbed.
It is also not recommended to eat oatmeal if you have problems with chewing food. Poorly chopped and insufficiently saliva-treated oats are poorly digested, which can cause intestinal obstruction. Digestive tract disorders are also a significant reason for refusing oatmeal.
- Contraindications for the use of barley:
- cereal allergy (celiac disease);
- diabetes - a product can lower blood sugar;
- forthcoming surgery - due to a possible change in sugar level, it is absolutely necessary to stop taking barley 2 weeks before the upcoming operation.
Medical use
When using products for medicinal purposes, remember that they are not a medicine, but are only aimed at helping the main course of treatment and maintaining the body in a healthy state. Therefore, do not neglect the advice of a specialist if you become ill.
Using: | Oats: | Barley: |
The use of the product is effective in: |
| lower cholesterol |
Perhaps effective in: |
| cancer of the stomach and colon |
Efficiency has not been sufficiently studied in the following conditions: |
|
|
Barley and oats are grown in many countries and on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica. Both cultures are rich in vitamins and minerals. But due to some difference in chemical composition, each of the cereals will be useful in its own way. Include foods in your diet to ensure balanced nutrition and prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system and intestines.