The Health Benefits Of Brown Rice

When choosing rice go for the healthy whole grain – brown rice. It has only the inedible husks removed but the bran and germ layers are left on the grain and this contains significant dietary fiber and including vitamins and minerals which aids digestion of food and removal of toxic wastes from the body. On the contrary, white rice, after milling, the rice is polished resulting in a seed with a bright, white, shiny appearance.

A diet based on unenriched white rice leaves people vulnerable to various kinds of diseases. Unfortunately, most people still consume white rice instead of brown rice probably because they are ignorant about its health benefits and for others; they prefer white rice because it is attractive.

A study conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, “brown rice is the top choice in terms of both nutritional and other inherent healthy benefits”.

Brown rice is a good source of phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are compounds naturally found in plants that have anti-inflammatory properties and tend to act as an antioxidant. It is a good source of selenium and manganese. Selenium helps reduce risk of developing cancer, heart disease and arthritis. Manganese helps the body synthesize fats and maintains the nervous system. Brown rice is a good source of magnesium, a mineral that is essential to bone health. The B complex vitamins especially vitamin B1, B3 and B6, promotes energy and nourishment to the skin. Abundance of minerals in brown rice helps to nourish the hormonal system, heal wound and regulate blood pressure. Brown rice also contains iron which enriches the blood; phosphorus and potassium which helps maintain hormonal balance. Consuming rice could be a good option for hypertensive individuals because rice contains low–fat, low-cholesterol and low-salt. Researchers say that “whenever rice is used as the main food, there is corresponding benefit of low youthful vitality and a very low rate of hypertension”. The fiber content of brown rice makes it soothing for digestion and aids bowel movement. Inadequate intake of fiber is associated with increased constipation, hemorrhoids, colorectal cancer, etc. Brown rice cereal or brown rice itself is the perfect baby’s first food due to the dense natural nutrition and fiber 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. Brown rice is an excellent food choice for those suffering from diabetes because it stabilizes blood sugar levels. Studies show that “those who consume one half cup of brown rice daily reduce their risks of developing diabetes by 60%”. Brown rice is the perfect accessory for candida yeast infection treatments given that high glycemic and otherwise sugary/starchy foods are prohibited during most candida treatments. Brown rice helps an individual maintain a healthy weight gain. A study conducted by Harvard researchers shows that “women who incorporate whole grains, such as brown rice, into their diet were more likely to maintain a healthy body weight”. Brown rice reduces the risk of childhood asthma. Studies show that “fruits, vegetables and even dairy do not have much of an effect in reducing asthma, but whole grains and fish do”. Rice powder can be dusted and used on skin inflammation such a burns, small pox, measles, prickly heat, etc.

It is vital to note white rice has been stripped off its nutrients during the refining process, manufacturers must have added unnatural fortifications such as glucose, and other additives in the form of synthetic vitamins or iron so it can be marketed to the public as a “nutritious” food. Brown rice is a healthy option for all, so do not wait until you are diagnosed with an ailment before you start eating healthily!