What Is Mugicha (barley Tea) And What Are Its Benefits
Made from roasted barley and consumed as a calming tea, Mugicha can be consumed as a hot or cold beverage depending on your preferences. Barley is a healthy grain that’s not only free from caffeine, but is packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals. In fact, researchers at the Colorado State University Extension state that Mugicha can contribute to lowering cholesterol levels, aid in weight loss and even prevent or treat diabetes.
However, it’s worth noting that many of the touted health benefits of Mugicha are based on anecdotal evidence and there isn’t enough scientific data to confirm its efficacy. That’s why it’s recommended to always consult with a physician before trying Mugicha or any other dietary supplement.
Features Antibacterial Properties
In 2006, the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry released an article which stated that a beverage called barley coffee had the ability to prevent tooth cavities. This special caffeinated beverage is made by roasting Mugicha or other forms of barley. Apparently, barley prevents the spread of bacterium Streptococcus mutans. But adding sugar to this beverage may neutralize this positive effect.
Could Help Prevent Cancer
The National Barley Foods Council states that barley is a rich source of vitamins A, C and E, as well as the trace mineral selenium. These four antioxidants are great at eliminating free radicals, which are disease-causing molecules. As such, barley is currently being researched as a possible cure or treatment for cancer, although a consensus hasn’t been reached yet on the role it plays exactly.
Controls Cholesterol
According to macrobiotics expert Michio Kushi, Mugicha has the ability to literally melt animal fat deposits in the body. This may have something to do with barley’s ability to naturally diminish the levels of fat and cholesterol present in the body.
How to Make Your Own Barley Tea
The easiest route starts with purchasing barley tea bags from a local health store or online retailer.
If you’re feeling up for it, you could always make the barley tea on your own. This involves roasting the barley on an oil-free pan or alternatively in a preheated oven. Roast the barley until it changes color into light brown.
Once roasted, you’ll prepare the barley tea as follows:
• Pour two tablespoons of roasted barley to 8 cups of water in a medium pot and bring to the boil.
• Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Remove the pot from heat and leave it to cool down.
• When you’re ready, serve the barley cold by refrigerating it, or serve it hot by reheating it.
• You may also spruce it up with spices like cardamom or sweetener like sugar or honey and some lemon.
Conclusion
Mugicha tea is one of the most popular dietary supplements available right now and it’s not hard to see why. It offers many health benefits, from aiding in weight loss, to regulating cholesterol, blood sugar levels and treating type 2 diabetes. It’s also a great source of dietary fiber, being sourced from grain and all, and the best part is that it’s very easy to make on your own!
