What are the health benefits to eating barley?

Barley is a great source of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Like all plant foods, barley is naturally cholesterol-free and low in fat. A 1/2-cup serving of cooked barley contains less than 1/2 gram of fat and only 100 calories. Barley contains several vitamins and minerals including niacin (vitamin B3), thiamine (vitamin B1), selenium, iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and copper. Barley contains antioxidants and other phytochemicals that may decrease the risk for certain diseases such as Heart disease, Diabetes, and cancer.