Maintaining a low sodium intake is essential to lowering blood pressure, however, increasing potassium intake may be just as important. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, fewer than 2 percent of American adults meet the daily 4,700-milligram recommendation.
Also, potassium, calcium, and magnesium (all present in barley) have been found to decrease blood pressure naturally.
A study, published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association in 2006, concluded that:
"In a healthful diet, increasing whole grain foods, whether high in soluble or insoluble fiber, can reduce blood pressure and may help to control weight."