Festive season is all about indulging in lip-smacking dishes that you have been waiting to eat for the longest time. From deep-fried snacks to spicy curries to ghee and sugar-loaded sweets, we have them all in honour of the annual festivals. However, the rising cases of diseases pose a threat to our health and so, we must ensure optimal nutrition while enjoying festivities. In North Indian regions, most of the festive treats are made with refined flour and oil which are both not good for health. So, we must replace it with something nutritious, wholesome and delicious at the same time. Barley can be a great replacement. Scroll down and read benefits of barley and one yummy snack recipe you can make out of it.
Boost digestive system
Barley contains lactic acid, phosphorus acid and salicylic acid that are good for digestive health. People who have stomach or gastric issues are advised to eat barley flour instead of wheat flour to get rid of digestive woes.
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Reduces bad cholesterol
High cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular and heart diseases. Barley has low glycemic index which makes it healthy. It helps in reducing bad cholesterol which lowers the risk of heart ailments in the future.
May boost immunity
Barley has vitamin C which is a potent immunity-boosting vitamin. Regular consumption of barley can strengthen immunity and keep you safe from an array of viral diseases and infections.
Aids nervous system
Barley is rich in several vitamins and minerals including manganese. Replacing whole wheat flour with barley flour might aid nervous disorder by keeping the nervous system calm. This might also increase your energy levels.
Aids weight loss
In comparison to wheat or any other grain, barley flour has lesser calories. Thus, weight loss aspirants must add barley flour to their diet to lose weight effectively.
In a nutshell, barley is great for the entire body. If you can have it during the festive season, you are less likely to experience bloating, gas, stomach pain, indigestion, etc. issues. This is also great for people with diabetes, high BP and other chronic illnesses.
Healthy Barley Momos
Momos are one of the most loved food items by people of all age groups. Why not make healthy and tasty momos as festive snacks. Check out the recipe:
Picture Credit: Nutrition Dynamic Food
Ingredients
- Barley and sorghum flour
- Vegetables of your choice for filling
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Ghee or butter
Preparation Method
Let us first make the dough. Add barley and sorghum flours in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt, baking powder and a teaspoon of butter or ghee. Kneed the flour with lukewarm water until soft. Cover it with a bowl and keep it aside for 15-20 minutes.
To make filling, add a teaspoon of butter and garlic. Slightly saute and add all the finely chopped vegetables. Saute them and add salt and herbs of your choice.
Now, roll the dough into small puris. Put the filling and secure the lining with water. Put these in the steamer for 10-15 minutes until steamed properly. Keep the gas on low flame.
Instead of having fried and junk on festivals, have healthy and homemade delicacies like barley snacks.