14 Heart-Healthy Foods That Are Incredibly Cheap

Barley

Price: $1.91 per pound

Oats are a standard in the healthy grains department, but barley — that common soup ingredient — is actually higher in fiber than oats. Like oats, it’s rich in a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which has the ability to protect against health-threatening high cholesterol and blood pressure.

Most grains contain the majority of their fiber in their outer layers — called bran — which is usually milled off in processing. Even pearled barley — the most processed form — is rich in beta-glucans.

How to eat it

Barley is commonly found in soups and stews, but you can use it many other ways. Consider making it the base for a mixed-grain salad, for example. Or use it in place of rice to make a delicious and healthy meal with spring vegetables.