The Good-News Grain

By Jane Farrell

Barley may be the latest good-news grain: eating it or foods containing it significantly reduces the levels of two types of “bad cholesterol” that’s linked with cardiovascular disease.

Researchers from St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, found that barley reduced both low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, and non-high-density lipoprotein, or non-HDL, by seven per cent.

The review, published in The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, indicated that barley had similar cholesterol-lowering effects as oats, which is often the go-to grain for health benefits.

The research, published in The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, included 14 studies on clinical trials conducted in seven countries, including Canada.

It is the first study to look at the effects of barley and barley products on both LDL and non-HDL cholesterol in addition to apolipoprotein B, or apoB, a lipoprotein that carries bad cholesterol through the blood. Measuring non-HDL and apoB provides a more accurate assessment for cardiovascular risk, as they account for the total ‘bad cholesterol’ found in the blood.

“The findings are most important for populations at high risk for cardiovascular disease, such as Type 2 diabetics, who have normal levels of LDL cholesterol, but elevated levels of non-HDL or apo B,” said Dr. Vladimir Vuksan, research scientist and associate director of the Risk Factor Modification Centre of St. Michael’s. “Barley has a lowering effect on the total bad cholesterol in these high-risk individuals, but can also benefit people without high cholesterol.”

High cholesterol and diabetes are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke, historically treated with medications. However, Vuksan’s research and work focuses on how dietary and lifestyle changes can reduce these risk factors.

“Barley’s positive effect on lowering cholesterol is well-documented and has been included in the Canadian strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk,” said Vuksan. “Health Canada, the FDA and several health authorities worldwide have already approved health claims that barley lowers LDL cholesterol, but this is the first review showing the effects on other harmful lipids.”

Despite its benefits Vuksan said barley is not as well-established as some other health-recommended foods – such as oats. Barley consumption by humans has fallen by 35 per cent in the last 10 years. Canada is one of the top five world producers of barley – almost 10 megatons per year – but human consumption accounts for only two per cent of the crop yield, with livestock making up the other 98 per cent.

Barley is higher in fibre, has twice the protein and almost half the calories of oats, which are important considerations for those with weight or dietary concerns.

Vuksan recommended that barley be used as a replacement for rice in recipes. It can also be eaten on its own, like oatmeal.

Barley can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, Vuksan. He recommends trying to incorporate barley into existing recipes, using it as a substitute for rice or even on its own – just like oatmeal.