Barley is among the oldest known cereal grains. Grainworks Organic Barley Flour is milled from our hulled barley. Barley flour does contain some gluten, though less than wheat flour. Its mild, slightly nutty flavour complements all other flours. An "oldie" and a "goodie!" In scientific studies, the ancient grain barley has been shown to reduce the risk of many modern diseases. Barley offers many of the same vitamins and minerals as other whole grains but offers special health benefits from its high levels of soluble beta-glucan fiber. Beta-glucans help reduce cholesterol, control blood sugar, and improve immune system function. Some research indicates beta-glucans may help our bodies stand up better to chemotherapy, radiation therapy and nuclear emergencies. Barley has more protein than corn, brown rice, millet, sorghum or rye, and is higher in fiber and lower in soluble (starch) carbohydrates than almost all other whole grains.