07/31/06 Barley health benefits

Barley beta-glucan fiber can reduce the risk of cardiovascular heart disease. The Food and Drug Administration says that's a valid claim based on USDA clinical trials. This substance called beta glucan can lower plasma cholesterol. CONWAY "Barley has more than oats do. There are very specific barley varieties that have a lot more than oats do. So it's possible to get more beta glucans from barley than from oats." Doctor Joan Conway is a USDA human nutrition researcher. In her Maryland laboratory she's been able to demonstrate that beta glucan also helps to moderate glucose in insulin which means that barley may be good food for people with type two diabetes. Barley may prove helpful to people who want to keep their weight in check. CONWAY "We fed people different amounts of a high beta glucan barley for breakfast and were looking to see whether or not it reduces their hunger or their experience of hunger over the next two to three hours." Results of that research aren't in yet but Conway says she's hopeful. Idaho barley growers may see increased demand if more research brings new health benefits to light. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott