Articles Researching Barley and Beta-Glucan

Abstract
Whole grains have been reported to lower blood pressure, but results have been mixed.
This report compares the effects of soluble and insoluble fibers on blood pressure in a
whole grain diet. Twenty-one non-hypertensive men (28-62 yr) with elevated plasma
cholesterol levels were selected for the study approved by the Institutional Review Board
of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Men consumed a Step 1 diet for 2 wk. and
then consumed diets with brown rice/whole wheat, barley, or a combination for 5 wk in a
Latin square. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures did not change during the
Step 1 diet, but were reduced by whole grains whether the fiber was predominantly
soluble (barley) or insoluble (brown rice & whole wheat). Urinary excretion of
phosphorus, and urea nitrogen were lower after consumption of the barley diet.
Increasing whole grain foods in a healthy diet can reduce cardiovascular risk.

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