Have you ever tried eating brown rice? While we usually see white rice, the brown variety is particularly healthy. In fact, brown rice can improve function in the cardiovascular system, nervous system, brain and digestive system. It is also rich in various powerful antioxidants, capable of providing relief from skin conditions, mental depression, stress, cholesterol, unhealthy LDL levels and hypertension. Moreover, the high nutritional content of brown rice makes it great for combating obesity, cancer, diabetes, insomnia and neurodegenerative conditions. There is more to brown rice than meets the eye! If you want to learn more, give this article a read.
Brown Rice: What Is It?
Brown rice is an unpolished and unrefined whole grain produced by removing the surrounding hull of the kernel. The grain of this rice retains its berm layer and nutrient-rich bran, making it much chewier compared to the white variety. It also has a nutty flavor, making it a great option if you are sick of eating white rice.
Some say that brown rice is much better than the white variety. Even though white rice may look more appealing, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a healthier alternative. Based on one study, brown rice is the topmost choice when it comes to healthy and nutritional benefits.
Germinated Brown Rice
Germinated, or sprouted, brown rice is an even more nutritional form, high in GABA, or gamma-aminobutryric acid. You can get germinated brown rice by sprouting and soaking it in water for hours.
This particular method is actually the best way to elevate protein levels and obtain the maximum levels of GABA and good enzymes. The germination process may also lead to a significant increase in essential components like dietary fiber, thiamine, vitamin B6, niacin, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, lysine and ferulic acid.
All of the aforementioned nutrients are help digestive absorption, thus easing any intestinal irritations, allergies and inflammation. Brown rice should be stored dried to increase its shelf life without affecting its nutritional content.
Brown Rice: Why Eat It?
Most of us are well aware that brown rice is much better than white rice because of the quantity and the quality of its nutrients. The milling process which converts brown rice to white strips away most of the nutritional content. Brown rice retains its nutritional content.
Nutritional Facts of Brown Rice
The brown rice is a naturally health food. It is rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium, selenium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron and manganese, as well as a wealth of vitamins including vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B3, vitamin B2, and vitamin B1. In addition, it is a great source of protein and fiber, as well as providing good fatty acids.
Health Benefits of Brown Rice
Here are some of the most marvelous health benefits of brown rice:
- Helps prevent cancer. Brown rice is essential in preventing leukemia, breast cancer and colon cancer. This may be linked to its powerful antioxidants and high fiber content. This is one of the best health benefits of brown rice.
- Helps control cholesterol levels. Because of its oils, brown rice is a good option for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, increasing good cholesterol and reducing the bad one.
- Helps boost heart health. Consuming whole grains like brown rice helps reduce the blockage of the arteries caused by plaque buildup.
- Helps improve digestive health. Brown rice a staple ingredient in diets promoting healthy digestive systems. Its fiber content relieves conditions like colitis and constipation.
- Helps control diabetes. Brown rice is essential for those who are hyperglycemic, offering a low glycemic index that helps reduce insulin surges and may assist in stabilizing blood sugar levels.
