RICE...The New Super Food!

RICE….The New Super Food!

Just this one word R-I-C-E can improve your overall health. According to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, “Rice eaters have higher levels of folic acid, potassium, and iron than those who don’t consume rice regularly.” Brown rice is extremely beneficial for the production of sex hormones and normal functioning of the nervous system.

In addition to its nutritious value, rice provides fast and instant energy, good bowel movement, stabilizes blood sugar levels and it provides an essential source of B1 to the human body. Other benefits include resistance to high blood pressure, heart diseases, skin rejuvenation and dysentery, a disease of the lower intestine caused by infection with bacteria, protozoan’s or parasites and marked by severe diarrhea, inflammation, and the passage of blood and mucus.

Rice can also prevent chronic constipation because it is an insoluble fiber that can be pushed through the intestinal tract easily. White rice is processed and stripped of its outer layer known as the bran or outer covering which contains a high content of fiber alone. Therefore, brown rice and whole grains are richer in insoluble fiber and are lower on the glycemic index than white rice.

However, be it brown or white rice both should be consumed with lots of water to prevent constipation that can sometimes occur when consuming fibrous foods, especially insoluble fiber. Just a cup full of brown rice a day provides you with almost 100% of the recommended magnesium value, which aides in producing energy from carbohydrates and protein.

OTHER BENEFITS OF RICE ARE:

• Great Energy Source: As rice is rich in carbohydrates, it acts as fuel for the body and aids in normal functioning of the brain.

• Cholesterol Free: Eating rice is extremely beneficial for health, just for the fact that it does not contain harmful fats, cholesterol or sodium. It forms an integral part of balanced diet.

• Rich in Vitamins: Rice is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals like niacin, vitamin D, calcium, fiber, iron, thiamine and riboflavin.

• Resistant Starch: Rice abounds in resistant starch, which reaches the bowel in undigested form. It aids the growth of useful bacteria for normal bowel movements.

• High Blood Pressure: As rice is low in sodium, it is considered best food for those suffering from high blood pressure and hypertension.

• Cancer Prevention: Whole grain rice like brown rice is rich in insoluble fiber that can possibly protect against many types of cancers. Many scientists believe that such insoluble fibers are vital for protecting the body against cancerous cells.

• Skin Care: Medical experts say that powdered rice can be applied to cure some forms of skin ailments. In Indian subcontinent, rice water is duly prescribed by ayurvedic practitioners as an effective ointment to cool off inflamed skin surfaces.

• Dysentery: The husk part of rice is considered as an effective medicine to treat dysentery. A three month old rice plant’s husks is said to contain diuretic properties. Chinese people believe that rice considerably increases appetite, cures stomach ailments and indigestion problems.

• Alzheimer’s Disease: Brown rice is said to contain high levels of neurotransmitter nutrients that can prevent Alzheimer’s disease to a considerable extent.

• Heart Disease: Rice bran oil is said to have antioxidant properties that promotes cardiovascular strength by reducing cholesterol levels in the body.


~ Tonya Lachey