Talbina
Talbina is a meal made from barley flour, formed by adding milk and honey to the dried barley powder. It is called Talbina which comes from the Arabic Word Laban meaning yogurt (milk/fermented churned milk) because of its resemblances to the yogurt, as it is soft and white.
In Islam, the Prophet Muhammad prescribed barley for seven diseases.[1] Both the prophets' (SAW) Sunnah and modern scientific research have proved that Talbina (Barley) cures many diseases and can be used as a medicine.[2]
Cooking
Talbina is made by adding 1-2 tablespoons of barley flour (must be 100% wholegrain barley flour) to one and a half cups of water. Place on low heat for 10-15 minutes (optional: add coconut/milk or yoghurt and sweeten with honey). This may also be used as a food thickener for gravy, soups, dishes etc. Alternatively you may add 1-2 tablespoons of barley flour (must be 100% wholegrain barley flour) to one and a half cups of coconut/milk. Place on low heat for 10-15 minutes (optional: add water or yoghurt and sweeten with honey).
The Talbina mixture may then be put in the blender with fresh or frozen fruits and/or ground flax seeds. etc It may be blended together to make a tasty talbina 'smoothie'.
Drink at least one cup daily.
Nutrition
Barley is a good source of insoluble and soluble fiber. The soluble fiber portion contains the richest source of beta-glucans compared to any other grain; these can aid immune function. Barley also contains B vitamins, iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, copper, and is one of the richest sources of chromium, which is important in maintaining blood glucose levels. Barley is also rich in antioxidants and contains a high concentration of tocols and tocotrienols, oils that help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Numerous studies have been conducted in modern research that demonstrates the effectiveness of barley in treating health problems like heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer and constipation.[2]
Cultural significance
Avicenna in his 11th century work The Canon of Medicine wrote of the healing effects of barley water, soup and broth for fevers.[3] Additionally, barley can be roasted and turned into roasted barley tea, a popular Asian drink.
See also
References
- ^ Hadith. Volume 7, Book 71, Number 593: (Narrated 'Ursa)
- ^ a b Medical Research on Barley Benefits
- ^ Scully, Terence (1997). The art of cookery in the Middle Ages. Boydell Press. pp. 187–88. ISBN 0851154301.
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