Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barley Balance?
Barley Balance® is a fiber concentrate rich in barley beta-glucans. It is one of the cleanest nutraceutical fiber ingredients currently available.
What is
Beta-Glucan?
Beta-Glucan is a type of soluble fiber naturally found in barley and oats. Barley beta-glucan is recognized by health Canada, EFSA and the FDA for its ability to improve gut healthy, naturally lower cholesterol, and regulate blood glucose levels.
How is Barley Balance obtained?
Our fiber products are made with exclusive non-GMO barley grains. We count on a geographical location and vertically integrated partners that enable us to source the best high-quality barley beta-glucan concentrates in the market. Barley beta-glucan, the part of the barley grain that provides the maximum health benefits, is carefully separated from the rest of the grain using a patented air process. This process does not use wet milling, chemicals, or solvents, unlike many alternative fiber products on the market today. Therefore, the processing of Barley Balance does not produce any wastewater and is energy efficient making this product one of the most sustainable ingredients.
What health claims does Barley Balance have?
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Helps lower LDL and total cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
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Moderates blood sugar levels after meals, resulting in more consistent energy and satiety.
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Supports and maintains a healthy digestive system.
* Approved health claims vary by country. Consult with legal counsel before finalizing the label claims. Barley Balance contains 23% beta-glucan which makes it easy to achieve daily dosages required for specific health claims.
How does Barley Balance help reduce cholesterol levels?
Several scientific studies have demonstrated that barley beta-glucan increases the viscosity of the mucosal surface of the intestine and binds to bile acids reducing their reabsorption to the liver. Consequently, the liver synthesizes new bile acids from cholesterol, reducing blood circulating (LDL) cholesterol concentrations. Cholesterol health claims are approved in USA, EU, Canada, Latin America.
How does Barley Balance help reduce glucose levels?
Barley Beta-glucan increases the viscosity of the meal. A high viscous meal delays gastric emptying and slows down the digestion and metabolism of carbohydrates and glucose due to a reduced enzymatic activity and mucosal absorption. Glucose control health claims are approved in EU.
How does Barley Balance help reduce glucose levels?
Barley Beta-glucan increases the viscosity of the meal. A high viscous meal delays gastric emptying and slows down the digestion and metabolism of carbohydrates and glucose due to a reduced enzymatic activity and mucosal absorption. Glucose control health claims are approved in EU.
How does Barley Balance help to improve gut health and satiety?
Barley Beta-glucan has been shown to be a prebiotic that is fermented by colonic microorganisms producing short chain fatty acids (SCFA), which are source of energy for the cells lining the colon. Barley Beta-glucan can enhance the growth rate of lactic acid bacteria in the human intestine, helping in the control of intestinal infections and improved digestion of lactose. Scientific studies have demonstrated that the high viscosity of barley beta-glucan slows down the digestion process and facilitates gradual absorption of food components, increasing satiety which leads to a reduced food intake. In addition, the satiating effect may occur by the generation of SCFA through colonic fermentation of this soluble fiber. SCFA modulate the release of various appetite-regulating hormones, including PYY, GLP-1, and ghrelin.
What are they key benefits of Barley Balance?
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Neutral colour
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Flavourless, clean taste
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Excellent solubility
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Versatile and easy to use
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Excellent digestive tolerance - gentle on the gastrointestinal tract
How does Barley Balance appear on labels?
Barley fiber concentrate (23% beta-glucan)
Does it contain gluten?
Yes, Barley Balance contains gluten (hordein) because it is extracted from barley.
What is the shelf life?
3 years.
How does Barley Balance compare to oat beta-glucan, inulin, psyllium husk, and other fibers?
- | Barley Balance | Oat Beta-Glucan | Inulin | Psyllium | Wheat/corn resistant maltodextrins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gut Health Claim | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Glucose Control Claim | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Cholesterol Reduction Claim | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Naturally Present in Nature? | Yes (barley) | Yes (Oats) | Yes (Chicory root) | Yes (Plantago Ovata) | No (Synthetically made from startch) |
Clean Label | Yes | No (Use of solvents) | No (Use of solvents) | No (Use of solvents) | No (Use of solvents) |
Dispensability in Water | Fast hydration - no clumps | Slow hydration - Clumps | Fast hydration - No Clumps | Slow hydration - Clumps | Fast hydration - No Clumps |
Flavour | Bland/Neutral | Branny, residual oat flavours | Bland to subtly sweet | Chalky, earthy | Neutral to slightly sweet |
Color | White to off-white | Yellowish/brown | White | Light brown | White yellow |
Extraction Process | Natural dry milling process - free from liquid solvents | Extract and defatted with solvents. Spray dried | Chemically or enzymatically extracted. Spry dried | Chemically or enzymatically extracted. Spry dried | Commonly treated with heat, acids and enzymes, followed by sugar removal. Spray dried |
Labelled As | Barley fiber concentration (23% beta-glucan) | Oat fiber concentrate | Inulin | Psyllium fiber | Soluble vegetable fiber |