Is it true "Glutinous Barley improves your health"? - Hakubaku | Ramen, Soba, and Udon Noodles from Japan

Glutinous Barley(MOCHI MUGI) has become a hot topic in Japan, being featured on television and in magazines for its many health benefits.
It has particularly drawn attention among women for its potential to relieve constipation.

However, many people have questions, such as “Does it really improve bowel movements?”, “I want to eat it because it seems healthy, but will people who don’t suffer from constipation get diarrhea?”, and “Is it true that some people get constipated after eating glutinous Barley?”.

Therefore, we asked 15 women to cooperate and actually eat rice with the glutinous barley.

●Research method

Target Group: 15 women aged 20-60

Procedure: Participants who had never eaten Glutinous Barley before were asked to consume rice with it 1-2 times a day for 1-3 weeks.
Then they were asked to provide an open-ended response describing any changes in their bowel movements.

The Glutinous Barley content was approximately 30%, and participants were encouraged to adjust the mixture according to their personal preference.

●Result

Regarding improvements in bowel movements, 10 out of 15 people answered that they felt some kinds of effect.
Of those, 6 felt a clear effect, and 4 felt that it worked.
On the other hand, 3 people said there was “no change,” and 1 person each said that they “felt bloated” and “became constipated.”

The effect of Glutinous Barley on relieving constipation varies by individual. Start with a small amount and find what works for you!!

For those who saw results, effects varied: some experienced multiple bowel movements the same day, while others noticed changes gradually over 2-3 days. Here are comments from those who tried it.

●Reviews from survey participants

　Q. Has there been any change in your bowel movements?

Yes. I had a bowel movement the first day I ate glutinous barley.

I did observe that I was able to pass stool in larger quantities, and during those times, it felt quite smooth.

Glutinous Barley contains a well-balanced mix of soluble dietary fiber, which helps regulate the intestinal environment.

I felt like I was getting diarrhea a little more easily.

it’s best to start to eat barley with a small amount to see how your body reacts.

Since I'm not constipated to begin with, I didn't notice any changes.

By continuing to eat Glutinous Barley rice, you can ensure a regular intake of dietary fiber, which helps maintain your already healthy intestinal environment.

Yes. After trying glutinous barley for the first time, my bowel movements were quite smooth, and I found myself needing to go to the bathroom frequently over the next two days.

After I started eating glutinous barley, I was fine from the second day, and my intestines are in good condition now.

Glutinous Barley’s dietary fiber can improve gut health, but effects vary individually and might be too strong for some.

My gut health varied between days I ate glutinous barley and days I didn’t, so I believe consistently eating the right amount is very beneficial for health.

Unfortunately,
I didn't get the regular bowel movements I had hoped for.

Some may get constipated, likely due to lack of water. It’s a good idea to drink tea or soup with Glutinous Barley rice.

The key is to find the right amount for you and drink enough water.

Not everyone experienced Glutinous Barley’s constipation-relieving effects, but it worked for 60-70% of people.
The effects seem to vary individually.

In the case to incorporate Glutinous Barley into your diet, drink plenty of water due to its high fiber content.
Particuraly, adjust the Glutinous Barley ratio to your preference when you mix it with rice to eat.

In addition to mixing it with rice, it can also be enjoyed as an ingredient in soups and salads.
If you’re prone to constipation, why not give it a try?

(For more information, please see the recipes in the links below)

Fiber-rich Glutinous barley recipes -Easy with boiled Glutinous barley- Hakubaku | Ramen, Soba, and Udon Noodles from Japan

The original article:
もち麦の便秘解消効果について聞いてみました｜大麦実験＆レポート｜おいしい大麦研究所