The word is out: barley is one healthful grain!  Studies show that it helps fight heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even obesity.  So it only makes sense that this grain should find its way into your weekly shopping cart.  That’s getting easier to do as more and more commercial manufacturers are adding barley to prepared foods of all kinds.  Of course, for the barley purist, pearl barley is a natural choice and can be found next to dry beans, legumes and rice as well as in the bulk foods sections in most supermarkets.  But if you’re short on cooking time and still want to include this healthful grain in your eating plan, check out the cereal aisle.  More and more ready-to-eat cereals, hot cereals and breakfast bars include barley as a primary ingredient.  You can also find this wholesome grain in canned soups, crackers and prepared multi-grain side dish and pilaf mixes.  So on your next shopping trip, start checking those labels for barley.  Your body will thank you for it.