Dr Shriram Nene swears by Barley Water during summer: 5 reasons to add it in your daily diet

Dr Shriram Nene, is a cardiothoracic surgeon who often shares health-related posts on Instagram and videos on his YouTube channel. Recently he shared a video on Instagram where he shared his recipe for barley water, a refreshing and healthy drink perfect for hot summer days. He said it is a natural coolant that can help detoxify the body and provide several health benefits. He wrote in his caption, “Are you tired of scorching heat? Want to stay cool, fresh, and hydrated? Here is a refreshing drink for you— barley water! A timeless summer elixir that refreshes, detoxifies, and keeps you going! Sip smart, stay cool!” As per Ayurveda, barley water is highly regarded as a cooling, detoxifying, and balancing drink, especially beneficial during the summer months and for those with Pitta dosha imbalances. Scroll down to read the recipe and 5 reasons to add it in your summer diet.

Dr Nene said in the video, “This is barley water. The observations are that you can use it as a means to reduce your cholesterol.” He then shared the recipe.
Step 1: Take four cups of water in a pan.
Step 2: Add 1/4 cup pearl barley to it and boil together for about 5-10 minutes.
Step 3: Strain the barley out and pour yourself a glass of the remaining water.
Step 4: To this, you can add a pinch of salt, a little bit of honey and lemon. To make it a bit more 'tropical', add some lemon to the rim of the glass.

As per old wives tales and Ayurveda, barley water is a natural body cooler. Thanks to its high water content and cooling properties, it helps regulate body temperature and prevents internal heat buildup, which can lead to issues like acne, acidity, fatigue, or heatstroke. Ayurveda calls it sheetal (cooling) making it ideal for pacifying Pitta dosha, the energy associated with heat and fire in the body. Drinking barley water regularly during summer helps soothe the digestive system, flush out toxins, and keep the skin fresh and calm.

It is said to boost hydration during summer months. Made by boiling barley grains in water, it’s not only rich in essential electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, and calcium but also deeply hydrating due to its high water content. Its light, nourishing quality also helps maintain the body's fluid balance, supports kidney function, and keeps fatigue at bay. Most importantly, it replenishes fluids without spiking blood sugar, making it a safer option.

As per experts, it supports digestion too. Rich in soluble fiber, barley helps regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. It also acts as a mild digestive tonic, soothing inflammation in the stomach lining and easing discomfort like bloating or acidity. As per experts, drinking warm barley water helps the body eliminate toxins, ease digestion, and keep the gut calm.

Barley water is rich in antioxidants, vitamins (like B-complex), and minerals such as zinc and selenium, that helps attain clearer skin. By flushing out toxins and supporting liver function, barley water helps reduce issues like acne, dullness, and inflammation. Regular consumption of barley water also helps boost skin’s elasticity, clarity, and texture. Add in some lime juice and mint leaves for boosting the efficacy of this drink.

It is often considered as a smart remedy to help manage cholesterol and blood sugar levels naturally. It contains beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that binds to bad cholesterol (LDL) in the digestive tract and helps remove it from the body. And when it comes to blood sugar control, barley water has a low glycemic index and promotes slower digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, preventing sudden spikes in glucose levels.

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