Rice is a staple food for a large part of the global population, particularly in Asia.
However, many of you avoid rice because you believe it will add pounds to your waistline. Because of its high starch content, rice has sparked debate, but is it really all that bad?
Is rice good for you? Should I incorporate rice into my everyday diet? What should the portion be? Is brown rice better than white rice? These are some of the thoughts that cross our minds while eating rice.
Let us examine and address some of the most often asked questions concerning rice.
Here are some health benefits of rice:
Provides Energy:
Are you tired and exhausted? Get yourself a bowl of brown or white rice!
Carbohydrates are essential for our bodies to function as fuel. Our bodies work to make energy from good carbohydrates when they enter our systems. But rice’s healthy carbohydrates aren’t just good for converting into energy.
Other components found in rice, such as minerals, vitamins, and many others, all help to increase metabolic activity in all of the body’s organs. Therefore, our bodies’ energy levels have expanded.
Read More: 5 Reasons Carbohydrate Should Not Be Neglected
Controls Blood Pressure:
Consuming rice is a good way to combat hypertension for anyone who suffers from it. It has a very low sodium content. Sodium is known to constrict the body’s arteries and veins.
In the long run, sodium can affect the heart and cause a variety of heart conditions. Consuming foods with low sodium levels can lower these risks.
Prevents Constipation:
Have you been having digestive problems? Eating rice is a sure way to keep your digestive system in check.
Brown rice is a fantastic source of fibre. These promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, which aid in digestion and bowel regularity. Rice’s high fibre content is essential for constipation relief and digestive system regulation. Rice is also a natural diuretic, which aids in the elimination of water from the body.
Keep hydrated; however, because your body will be flushing out more water, you’ll need a good supply of water in your body.
Gluten-free Food:
Do you have gluten sensitivities? Rice isn’t just scrumptious, yet it is additionally sans gluten!
Rice does not contain gluten and can thus be easily included in the diets of people with celiac disease and those who are allergic to proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats. Rice is a highly nutritious food that is necessary for good health.
Improves Nervous System Health:
Is your nervous system in need of assistance? Rice is an excellent ally!
Our nervous systems rely on the use of various B vitamins to run smoothly and properly. The production of neurotransmitters is aided by a variety of B vitamins. Neurotransmitters help to regulate biological processes.
Rice is an excellent source of several B vitamins. Eating rice assists with working on the strength of your sensory system since it is high in B nutrients.
Can be Used for Skin Care:
You might be surprised to learn that rice is an excellent skin care product!
Rice is used for skin care both by consumption and topically. On the off chance that you’re searching for an effective arrangement, you can apply powdered rice to your skin. Because the powder aids in reducing inflammation, this topical solution is ideal for inflamed skin.
People use brown rice more commonly due to its phenolic compounds. These ingredients work to reduce redness and soothe skin irritation.
Promotes Heart Health:
Rice has anti-inflammatory properties. Its anti-inflammatory properties aid in lowering the rate at which atherosclerotic plaque deposits within blood vessel walls. This reduces your chances of developing severe heart conditions such as heart attacks or strokes.
Although both brown and white rice has these advantages, brown rice is superior. This is because brown rice contains the husk, which contains the majority of the nutrients.
Rice bran oil contains antioxidants that lower cholesterol levels in the body and, as a result, promote cardiovascular health.
The Bottom Line
White rice is more processed, but it isn’t necessarily bad.
Brown rice, then again, is eventually better and more nutritious. Not to mention that brown rice is better for diabetes, heart disease, and weight management.
It is critical to understand that white rice has its own set of benefits, and whether or not to consume it is a personal choice. People who are extremely overweight should avoid it or limit their portion size. Remember that the golden rule of eating healthy is to eat a balanced meal at the appropriate time.
Citations
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025443/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31619630/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287284991_Rice_in_health_and_nutrition
