Conclusions : Pooled analyses show that barley β-glucan has a lowering effect on LDL-C and non-HDL-C. Inclusion of barley-containing foods may be a strategy for achieving targets in CVD risk reduction
Background / Objectives : There has been recent interest in barley as a therapeutic food owing to its high content of beta-glucan ( β-glucan ) , a viscous soluble fiber recognized for its cholesterol-lowering properties .
The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) investigating the cholesterol-lowering potential of barley β-glucan on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) , non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( non-HDL-C ) and apolipoprotein B ( apoB ) for cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) risk reduction .
Lipids Significantly Reduced by Diets Containing Barley in Moderately Hypercholesterolemic Men
Objective : To determine whether barley , as the soluble fiber source , would beneficially change  cardiovascular risk factors .  Soluble fiber from oats has been recognized as beneficial in decreasing blood cholesterol levels . Although barley contains high amounts of soluble fiber , it is not consumed as extensively as oats . Methods : Eighteen moderately hypercholesterolemic men ( 28–62 y ) consumed a controlled equilibration diet ( Step 1 , 30 % fat , 55 % carbohydrate , 15 % protein , < 300 mg cholesterol ) for 2 weeks followed by the diet with about 20 % of energy replaced with brown rice/whole wheat , ½ barley & ½ brown rice/whole wheat or barley ( < 0.4 g , 3 g and 6 g added soluble fiber/2800 kcal , respectively ) for 5 weeks in a Latin square design . Fasting blood was drawn twice weekly . Total cholesterol , HDL cholesterol , and triacylglycerols were measured enzymatically and lipid fractions were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy . Results : Compared with pre study concentrations , total cholesterol ( 14 % , 17 % , and 20 % , respectively ) and LDL cholesterol ( 17 % , 17 % , and 24 % , respectively ) were significantly lower ( p < 0.0001 ) after the low , medium , and high-soluble fiber diets . Triacylglycerol was 6 % , 10 % , and 16 % lower ( p = 0.09 ) whereas HDL cholesterol ( 9 % , 7 % , and 18 % ) was higher ( p < 0.001 ) after the experimental diets . Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol after the high-soluble fiber diet were significantly lower than concentrations after the low- or medium-soluble fiber  diets . Mean LDL particle number significantly decreased ( p < 0.007 ) and the large LDL cholesterol fraction showed a trend toward lower concentrations ( p = 0.06 ) . Conclusion : Increasing soluble fiber through consumption of barley in a healthy diet can reduce cardiovascular risk factors
Conclusions : Pooled analyses show that barley β-glucan has a lowering effect on LDL-C and non-HDL-C. Inclusion of barley-containing foods may be a strategy for achieving targets in CVD risk reduction
Background / Objectives : There has been recent interest in barley as a therapeutic food owing to its high content of beta-glucan ( β-glucan ) , a viscous soluble fiber recognized for its cholesterol-lowering properties .
The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) investigating the cholesterol-lowering potential of barley β-glucan on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) , non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( non-HDL-C ) and apolipoprotein B ( apoB ) for cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) risk reduction .