Is it safe to drink barley everyday?

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to ancient texts and modern nutritionists, barley has been a staple in diets for over 10,000 years, prized for its health-boosting properties. But as with any food, many people wonder: is it safe to drink barley everyday?

Quick Summary

Consuming barley or barley water daily is generally safe for most individuals, offering significant fiber, antioxidant, and mineral benefits, but requires moderation and attention to specific health conditions.

Key Points

Generally Safe in Moderation: For most healthy people, drinking barley water or consuming barley daily is safe, though moderation is essential to avoid potential side effects.
Rich in Fiber: Barley's high fiber content, especially beta-glucan, is key to its benefits, supporting digestion, heart health, and blood sugar control.
Avoid for Gluten Sensitivity: Barley contains gluten and is unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, who should avoid it entirely.
Monitor with Medications: Those with diabetes or on certain oral medications should consult a doctor, as barley can affect blood sugar levels and drug absorption.
Consider Digestive Comfort: Suddenly increasing fiber intake from barley can cause bloating and gas; a gradual increase is recommended.
Choose Unsweetened Options: Opt for unsweetened barley water or recipes to maximize health benefits and avoid unwanted sugar and calories.

Understanding the Benefits of Daily Barley Consumption

Barley is a powerhouse of nutrition, and regular consumption, particularly of whole grain varieties, offers a multitude of health benefits. Its high fiber content, especially beta-glucan, is responsible for many of its positive effects on the body.

Heart Health and Cholesterol Management

Studies have consistently shown that the beta-glucan fiber in barley can help lower bad (LDL) cholesterol by binding to bile acids and promoting their excretion. This mechanism forces the liver to use more cholesterol to produce new bile acids, effectively reducing the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream and lowering the risk of heart disease. The presence of niacin and other beneficial compounds further supports cardiovascular health by helping to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

Blood Sugar Control

For those concerned about blood sugar, barley is a smart dietary choice. It has a low glycemic index, meaning it causes a slower, more gradual rise in blood sugar and insulin levels compared to refined grains. This effect is largely due to its soluble fiber content, which slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Digestive Health

Barley is a fantastic source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which are crucial for a healthy digestive system.

Insoluble fiber: Adds bulk to the stool, promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.
Soluble fiber: Acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your gut microbiome. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids that help reduce gut inflammation and improve symptoms of conditions like IBS.

Weight Management

Barley can be a valuable tool for weight loss and management. The high fiber content promotes feelings of fullness and satiety for longer periods, which can help curb appetite and reduce overall calorie intake. Choosing barley instead of less nutritious grains like white rice or refined pasta can lead to more effective hunger management.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While daily barley consumption is safe for most, it is not without potential downsides, especially for certain individuals or when consumed in excess.

Digestive Discomfort

Introducing a large amount of fiber into your diet suddenly can cause side effects like gas, bloating, and stomach cramps. It is best to increase your intake gradually to allow your digestive system to adjust. Consuming too much fiber without adequate hydration can also lead to constipation.

Gluten Content

Barley contains gluten, a protein that can cause serious health issues for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. For these individuals, barley in any form should be strictly avoided. Symptoms of a gluten reaction can range from digestive upset to headaches and skin rashes.

Medication Interactions

Barley can lower blood sugar levels. If you are on medication for diabetes, consuming barley daily could cause your blood sugar to drop too low (hypoglycemia). It is crucial to monitor your blood sugar closely and consult a healthcare provider to potentially adjust your medication dosage. The high fiber can also interfere with the absorption of certain oral medications, so taking them at different times is recommended.

Other Concerns

Acrylamide: Barley tea, particularly from lightly roasted barley, may contain trace amounts of acrylamide, a potential carcinogen. Roasting barley to a darker brown can minimize this. The levels are generally low, but it is a consideration for long-term daily intake.
Purine Content: Barley has a moderate purine content, and while it doesn't cause gout, those with the condition may be advised by their doctor to moderate their intake.

Comparison: Hulled Barley vs. Pearled Barley

The nutritional value of barley can vary depending on its processing. Hulled barley is the whole grain, with only the indigestible outer hull removed. Pearled barley has been polished to remove the bran layer, resulting in quicker cooking time but less fiber and fewer nutrients.


Feature	Hulled Barley	Pearled Barley
Processing	Minimally processed, outer hull removed	Polished to remove bran and hull
Nutritional Content	Higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals	Lower in fiber and nutrients due to polishing
Appearance	Tan, brownish color; retains more bran	Creamy white color; polished
Cook Time	Longer cook time (approx. 1.5 hours)	Shorter cook time (approx. 1 hour)
Texture	Chewy, nutty texture	Softer, less chewy
Dietary Classification	Whole Grain	Refined Grain

Is Drinking it Every Day Right for You?

For most healthy adults without specific health conditions, drinking barley water or consuming barley as part of a balanced diet is likely safe and beneficial. The key, as with any food, is moderation and variety. A diverse diet ensures you get a wide range of nutrients that no single food can provide. Health professionals often recommend enjoying barley several times a week rather than as a strict daily staple.

If you have pre-existing conditions, particularly diabetes, kidney issues, or gluten intolerance, you must consult a healthcare provider before making daily barley consumption a habit. They can help determine a safe amount and monitor any potential effects. Opt for unsweetened barley preparations to maximize health benefits and avoid unnecessary calories and sugar.

Conclusion: Moderation is Key for Daily Barley

In conclusion, incorporating barley into your diet provides an impressive list of benefits, including improved digestion, cholesterol and blood sugar management, and weight control. While generally safe, daily consumption requires moderation to avoid potential digestive side effects from its high fiber content. Crucially, individuals with gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, or those managing specific health conditions like diabetes or kidney problems should proceed with caution and consult a healthcare professional. For most, a balanced approach—enjoying barley water or other forms a few times a week—is the best way to reap its nutritional rewards without overdoing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy people, drinking 1-2 glasses of barley water per day is a safe and moderate amount. If you are new to it, start with half a glass and gradually increase your intake to avoid digestive discomfort.

Barley is relatively high in calories, and adding sweeteners can increase this further. While its fiber content aids weight management by promoting fullness, excessive consumption without moderation can lead to unwanted weight gain.

Barley water has a diuretic effect, which increases urination and helps flush out toxins and bacteria. This action can be beneficial for promoting kidney health and potentially reducing the risk of kidney stones, though more research is needed.

No, pearled barley is less nutritious than hulled barley. Pearled barley is refined, with the fiber-rich bran removed during processing, while hulled barley is a whole grain that retains more fiber and nutrients.

Barley is often used to ease pregnancy symptoms like constipation and morning sickness. However, large amounts of barley sprouts are possibly unsafe during pregnancy. It is always best for pregnant women to consult their doctor before adding it to their daily diet.

Signs of an allergic reaction or gluten intolerance can include digestive upset like nausea, diarrhea, and cramps, as well as rashes and headaches. These symptoms indicate you should stop consumption and consult a healthcare professional.

To prepare a daily drink, boil rinsed barley grains in water until soft. Strain the liquid, and you can add natural flavorings like a squeeze of lemon or a cinnamon stick. To maximize fiber, some prefer unstrained barley water.