Barley�s rich nut-like flavour and chewy consistency makes it an appealing base for soups and stews, where it serves as both a puffy grain and a thickener, but it also makes a nice side dish or salad. Barley is considered to be an excellent source of dietary fibre and of minerals like selenium, phosphorus, copper and magnesium. Regular consumption of barley is supposed help lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure and support internal health and digestion.