Does barley tea cause cancer?
Jun 02, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Barley tea is not carcinogenic. Barley is cold in nature and non-toxic. When roasted, it can be processed into coix seed tea, which helps mitigate the inherent cold nature of coix seed. It is typically consumed during the peak of summer to quench thirst and promote diuresis. Barley is low in carbohydrates but rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals—beneficial for human health. Moreover, barley contains higher levels of calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and other minerals compared to ordinary rice and wheat.
Barley tea is a common beverage in daily life and is widely enjoyed by many people. So, does barley tea cause cancer?
Does barley tea cause cancer?
Barley tea does not cause cancer. Barley is inherently cool in nature and non-toxic. When roasted, it can be processed into coix seed tea, which helps mitigate barley’s cooling properties. It is commonly consumed during the hot summer months to quench thirst and promote diuresis. Barley is low in carbohydrates but rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals—beneficial for human health. Moreover, barley contains higher levels of calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and other minerals than ordinary rice or wheat. It promotes fibrinolysis, vasodilation, inhibits thrombin generation, and lowers cholesterol. Therefore, moderate, long-term consumption of barley tea offers certain health benefits. It contains no known carcinogens, and regular roasted barley tea is generally safe and non-carcinogenic.
Although barley tea is beneficial, it should not be consumed excessively or over prolonged periods, as this may burden the gastrointestinal tract and lead to symptoms such as diarrhea. Barley tea should be roasted with caution—excessive roasting may cause sugars and amino acids in barley to form acrylamide, a compound with potential neurotoxicity; long-term intake could harm health. Additionally, barley tea should not be mixed with other teas or herbal substitutes, as interactions among their components may adversely affect health.
The first infusion of barley tea should not be consumed. Also, avoid drinking large quantities of chilled barley tea. We hope this answer has been helpful!
