Articles Researching Barley and Beta-Glucan

Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare the effects on blood pressure of
predominantly insoluble fiber (whole wheat and brown rice) and soluble fiber (barley) in
a whole-grain diet. Subjects (seven men, nine premenopausal women, and nine
postmenopausal women) consumed a controlled Step I diet for 2 weeks; then about 20%
of energy was replaced with whole wheat/brown rice, barley, or half wheat-rice/half
barley, for 5 weeks each. Blood pressure was determined weekly and weight daily before
breakfast. Urinary excretions of minerals that might affect blood pressure and urea
nitrogen were determined each period. Systolic pressure was lower after the wheat/rice
and half-and-half diets. Diastolic and mean arterial pressures were reduced by all wholegrain
diets. No differences were observed in urinary measurements. In a healthful diet,
increasing whole-grain foods, whether high in soluble or insoluble fiber, can reduce
blood pressure and may help to control weight.

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