"Eating barley or foods containing barley significantly reduced levels of two types of bad cholesterol associated with cardiovascular risk a St. Michaels Hospital research paper has found.  Barley reduced both lowdensity lipoprotein or LDL and nonhighdensity lipoprotein or nonHDL by seven per cent.  The review also indicated that barley had similar cholesterollowering effects as oats which is often the goto grain for health benefits.  The research review published today in The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition included  studies on clinical trials conducted in seven countries including Canada.  It is the first study to look at the effects of barley and barley products on both LDL and nonHDL cholesterol in addition to apolipoprotein B or apoB a lipoprotein that carries bad cholesterol through the blood. Measuring nonHDL and apoB provides a more accurate assessment for cardiovascular risk as they account for the total bad cholesterol found in the blood. The findings are most important for populations at high risk for cardiovascular disease such as Type  diabetics who have normal levels of LDL cholesterol but elevated levels of nonHDL or apo B said Dr. Vladimir Vuksan research scientist and associate director of the Risk Factor Modification Centre of St. Michaels. Barley has a lowering effect on the total bad cholesterol in these highrisk individuals but can also benefit people without high cholesterol.  High cholesterol and diabetes are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke historically treated with medications. However Dr. Vuksans research and work focuses on how dietary and lifestyle changes can reduce these risk factors.  Barleys positive effect on lowering cholesterol is welldocumented and has been included in the Canadian strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk said Dr. Vuksan. Health Canada the FDA and several health authorities worldwide have already approved health claims that barley lowers LDL cholesterol but this is the first review showing the effects on other harmful lipids. Despite its benefits Dr. Vuksan said barley is not as wellestablished as some other healthrecommended foods  such as oats. Barley consumption by humans has fallen by  per cent in the last  years. Canada is one of the top five world producers of barley  almost  megatonnes per year  but human consumption accounts for only two per cent of the crop yield with livestock making up the other  per cent. After looking at the evidence we can also say that barley is comparably effective as oats in reducing overall risk of cardiovascular disease said Dr. Vuksan.  Barley is higher in fibre has twice the protein and almost half the calories of oats which are important considerations for those with weight or dietary concerns.  Dr. Vuksan said barley can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. He recommends trying to incorporate barley into existing recipes using it as a substitute for rice or even on its own  just like oatmeal. About St. Michaels Hospital St. Michaels Hospital provides compassionate care to all who enter its doors. The hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future health care professionals in  academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma heart disease neurosurgery diabetes cancer care care of the homeless and global health are among the hospitals recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Education Centre which make up the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute research and education at St. Michaels Hospital are recognized and make an impact around the world. Founded in  the hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto."