11 Best Grains for Healthy Beverages: Purple Corn's Unforgettable Taste

9. Barley: The Time-Tested Wellness Grain

For millennia, barley has been a pillar of human nutrition; its use in healthy drinks changes with current nutritional research. Among the many nutrients found in this adaptable grain are beta-glucans, which have been shown to decrease cholesterol. Used in beverages, barley has a deep, malty taste with subdued sweetness and a pleasing, creamy mouthfeel. Its high fibre count—especially that of beta-glucan soluble fiber—helps control blood sugar levels and increases sensations of fullness. When juiced, barley grass gives beverages a vivid green hue and fresh taste along with concentrated nutrients. Prebiotic qualities of the grain help digestive health and increase the potency of probiotic drinks. barley develops distinct enzymes and tastes when malted that might improve the taste and nutritional worth of different beverages. Its great mineral content—including manganese, copper, and selenium—helps to explain its general health advantages and antioxidant qualities. Traditionally, fermented barley drinks have been used for their possible immune-boosting and digestive aid qualities.