Why Brown rice is Better !

Three billion people on this planet depend on rice for over half of their daily total calorie intake. Most of these people eat white rice. Nutritionists and dietitian are now increasingly recommending brown rice as an excellent source of all-round nutrition. It is also every weight watcher’s dream food; being a complex carbohydrate that provides 15 essential nutrients, including B-vitamins, niacin and potassium.

The difference between brown rice and the more popular white rice is not just the colour. White rice actually lacks the necessary quantities of over a dozen important nutrients, including vitamin E, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B1, B3, B6, folacin, potassium, magnesium and iron.

Brown rice is essentially the same as white rice, in the fact that it comes from the same plant. There is no “brown rice” plant and “white rice” plant. The difference between the two coloured rice is the process by which they are hulled. Whole grain rice consists of several layers. When only the outermost hull is removed, we end up with brown rice. It is when the rice is further milled, removing the bran and germ layer, that we end up with a whiter rice. The rice is then polished, removing the aleurone layer, giving us the white rice that we most often see in stores.

Brown rice is one of the most easily digested starches, and because of its high mineral content, brown rice supplies important nutrients for the hair, teeth, nails, muscles and bones. It is widely believed that brown rice helps to control blood pressure and also reduces wide fluctuations in blood sugar. The high fibre content of brown rice has a good effect on controlling cholesterol which also helps to prevent heart disease.

One cup of brown rice provides 80% of our daily manganese requirements. Manganese helps the body synthesize fats and is also beneficial for our nervous and reproductive systems.

Brown rice is packed with fibers and contains selenium, which helps to increase bowel movement, reduces and relieves constipation, and reduces the risk of colon cancer. It is also beneficial for stomach and intestinal ulcers. Brown rice is the perfect addition to the daily diet for those whom are seeking bowel regularity. In addition, brown rice also makes the tummy feel full which translates to smaller meal portions; this is good news for those who are watching their diet!

One of the best kept secrets regarding brown rice would its antioxidant capacity. We usually associate anti-oxidant rich foods with blueberries, strawberries and other fruits and vegetables. The antioxidant capacity of brown rice is just as high!

Brown rice helps stabilize blood sugar levels; therefore, it’s an excellent food choice for those suffering from diabetes. Studies show that those who consume one half cup of brown rice daily reduce their risks of developing diabetes by 60%. On the other hand, those who consume white rice regularly increase their chances of developing diabetes 100 fold.

Brown rice cereal or brown rice itself is the perfect baby’s first food due to the dense natural nutrition and fibers it contains. This is a much better choice than refined white rice cereal products as rapidly growing babies and toddlers require nutrient rich diets to help maintain rapid growth cycles. According to researchers, increased intake of whole grains and fish could reduce the risk of childhood asthma by about fifty percent. The numerous anti-inflammatory compounds found in fish and brown rice help in reducing wheezing

Brown rice is a healthier alternative to white rice, try it today!