The health benefits of Hull-less Barley
Tasteful and with high levels of dietary fiber –
A natural contribution to better health
Why Choose Helsekorn’s Hull-less Barley over Regular Hulled Barley?
Helsekorn’s hull-less barley contains especially high levels of dietary fiber, including the soluble fiber beta-glucan and the insoluble fiber arabinoxylan. The hull-less barley-products contain twice as much dietary fiber as regular hulled barley and oats growing in Norway today. This makes hull-less barley a valuable addition to a healthy and balanced diet.
The hull-less barley from Helsekorn stands out because it naturally lacks the outer hulls found on regular barley (hulled barley). This gives several advantages:
- Higher yield and improved nutrient utilization after threshing and processing
- Less need for polishing and pearling minimizes the risk of losing key nutrients found in the outer layers of the grain kernel.
- Significantly higher hectoliter weight.
- Can be used directly in household cooking.
- Significantly higher content of dietary fiber, including insoluble arabinoxylans and especially soluble beta-glucan.
Beta-glucan – Soluble Fiber with Documented Health Benefits
Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber naturally found in grains such as barley and oats. In hull-less barley, this fiber is evenly distributed throughout the entire grain. The hull-less barley-products contain twice as much dietary fiber as regular hulled barley and oats growing in Norway today. Therefore, it is sufficient to use a less amount of this hull-less barley, compared to other grains, to meet the health recommendations from EFSA’s (European Food Safety Authority).
Research and long-term studies show that beta-glucan has several well-documented health benefits:
- Lowers cholesterol levels
Beta-glucan binds to cholesterol in the intestine and prevents its absorption into the bloodstream. This can help lower LDL cholesterol (“the bad cholesterol”).
- Stabilizes blood sugar
By forming a gel-like mass in the intestine, beta-glucan slows the absorption of glucose. This results in more stable blood sugar levels, which is especially beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
- Promotes good digestion
Beta-glucan helps increase the volume and softness of stool, which helps prevent constipation and supports healthy bowel function.
- Strengthens the immune system
Studies suggest that beta-glucan may also have a positive effect on the body’s immune response.
- Increases satiety
Beta-glucan contributes to a greater feeling of fullness after meals, and can therefore support weight loss and weight control.
How the Dietary Fibers Beta-glucan and Arabinoxylan Can Improve Gut Health
Gut health is a crucial part of our overall health and well-being. Many people experience digestive issues, and it is estimated that 20–30% of the population in industrialized countries have symptoms such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, or inflammatory bowel diseases—conditions that, in severe cases, can increase the risk of colon cancer.
A diet rich in fiber from Helsekorn’s hull-less barley—which contains 2.5 to 3 times more fiber (beta-glucans and arabinoxylans) than other grains cultivated in Norway—can be an effective measure to improve gut function. The fiber may help regulate digestion, relieve discomfort from irregular bowel movements, and reduce inflammation in the gut, which in turn can help prevent more serious diseases. These effects are well documented in medical research and supported by assessments from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Beta-glucan and Gut Health
Beta-glucan is a powerful dietary fiber, with documented effects on gut health. Beta-glucancan give:
- Improved bowel movement
Beta-glucan absorbs water and forms a gel-like mass in the intestine. This softens the stool and makes it easier to pass through the gut, which can help prevent and relieve constipation. - Prebiotic effect
Beta-glucan acts as a prebiotic, providing fuel for beneficial bacteria in the gut. A healthy gut flora is essential for good digestion and immune function, as a large part of the immune system is linked to the gut. - Regulation of gut bacteria
Together with the insoluble fiber arabinoxylan, beta-glucan helps stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. This strengthens overall gut function and can reduce the risk of digestive issues. - Reduced inflammation
Several studies suggest that beta-glucan has anti-inflammatory properties. This is especially beneficial for people with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, where symptom relief and improved quality of life are important goals.
Arabinoxylan – Insoluble Fiber for a Healthy Gut
Arabinoxylan is an insoluble dietary fiber that is especially important for gut health. Unlike beta-glucan, it does not dissolve in water, but instead “feeds” the beneficial gut bacteria—functioning as a prebiotic fiber.
Health benefits of arabinoxylan:
- Supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria
- Reduces the risk of digestive issues and cancer
- Improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control
- Contributes to a stronger gut and a robust immune system
Hull-less barley contains significantly higher levels of arabinoxylan than oats and regular barley, making it an exceptionally rich source of fiber for gut health.
Summary
Helsekorn’s hull-less barley contains almost twice as much beta-glucan as regular barley, and a higher proportion of arabinoxylan than oats. Together, these fibers provide a range of health benefits:
- Reduced cholesterol
- Stable blood sugar
- Improved digestion
- Stronger immune system
- Increased satiety
Including hull-less barley in your diet is a simple and natural choice for anyone who wants to eat their way to better health — every day.
