Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a common grain that is high in fiber. It is consumed in foods and used to brew alcoholic beverages worldwide.

The fiber in barley might lower cholesterol, blood sugar, and insulin levels. It also seems to slow stomach emptying which could keep blood sugar stable and help to control appetite.

People use barley for heart disease and high cholesterol. It is also used for colon cancer, diabetes, diarrhea, high blood pressure, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.