Health Benefits of Rice
Rose May Pimentel in Health
May 26, 2022 • 3 min Read
Rice is considered the world’s most important human food and has been part of the human diet for thousands of years. According to International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), rice may have been produced and consumed 10,000 years ago.
Rice is a source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. There are thousands of types of rice, depending on the processes used. They fit into two groups: white as the most common type and brown (whole grain) which offers more health benefits. For healthier dishes, people combine rice with vegetables and other nutrient-rich foods.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of this staple food, from Organic Facts:
1. May Prevent Obesity
Rice forms an integral part of a balanced diet as it provides nutrients without negative impacts on health. Potentially low levels of fat, cholesterol, and sodium also help reduce obesity and associated conditions. Most people have this misconception that eating white rice increases blood glucose levels, which is one of the reasons for obesity. A research paper showed that there was no association between the frequency of consumption and body weight, BMI, or central obesity. Most people prefer brown rice over white for it has more fiber content, thus more nutritious.
2. Potentially Gluten-Free
Rice naturally does not contain any gluten, thus, causing no inflammation in the gut. People suffering from celiac disease can easily include rice in their diet.
3. May Control Hypertension
According to research, rice enriched with gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA helps in reducing hypertension and prevents the early onset of high blood pressure-related heart conditions.
4. May Improve Skin Care
As per a study, rice bran has bioactive compounds that help prevent aging. It has been used in various skin care products and has shown to possibly contain antioxidant and skin-hydrating potential. Medical experts say that powdered rice can be applied topically to cure skin conditions. On the Indian subcontinent, its water is readily prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners as an effective ointment to cool off inflamed skin surfaces.
5. May Have Diuretic and Digestive Qualities
As a diuretic, rice helps eliminate toxins from the body like uric acid. It is also a possibly rich source of fiber, which increases bowel movement regularity and reduces the chances of cardiovascular diseases.
6. May Boost Cardiovascular Health
As per research, whole grains like rice help in reducing the risk of coronary heart diseases and other cardiovascular diseases. According to a report, it is known to have antioxidant properties that promote cardiovascular strength by reducing cholesterol levels in the body.
7. May Relieve IBS
A team of researchers from New York University penned a detailed report on the recommended diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in the World Journal of Gastroenterology. They concluded that a diet low in fermentable carbs known as FODMAPS is recommended for the management of this digestive disorder. Rice is a low FODMAP item, clinically suggested for consumption during IBS for it has resistant starch, which can reach the bowels and stimulates the growth of useful bacteria that help with normal bowel movements.
8. May Provide Energy
A study denotes that rice is a good source of carbohydrates, and helps boost overall energy in the body. Carbohydrates are metabolized by the body and turned into functional, usable energy.
10. May Control Diabetes
People with diabetes are recommended to take the brown variety than the white one for it contains low levels of the glycemic index. As little as one cup of brown rice daily provides a person with almost 100% of their daily manganese requirement, which helps produce energy from carbohydrates and protein, says a report.
In the future, rice will remain an important food staple for billions of people.
Stay healthy and safe!
