Why You Must Eat Brown Rice

By Daily Graphic

The health benefits of brown rice are immeasurable. Brown rice is a whole grain meaning it contains a large amount of fibre.


This is due to the fact that the whole grain contains all three components: Bran, germ, and endosperm. Conversely, when grain is processed, all that is left is the endosperm. Why is this significant?


When the endosperm is left intact, it generates all of the proteins; the bran contains approximately 80 per cent of the minerals; and the germ contains vitamin E, minerals, unsaturated fats, antioxidants, and phytochemicals which are chemicals found in fruits, vegetables, beans, and other types of plant food.


In addition, it has been ascertained that the antioxidant levels in whole grains are higher than in white rice, for example, and serve to prevent against the onset of cell damage. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant


Moreover, all three contain vitamin B. Thus, when all these components are present and unprocessed in grain, it is then considered “whole” grain which offers the most nutrients and fends off such disorders as cancer, heart disease, cholesterol, high blood pressure, weight gain, and type 2 diabetes.


Studies have shown that consuming a daily caloric intake of complex carbohydrates such as brown rice is significant in that whole grains are not only low in fat, but their high fibre content contribute to maintaining a healthy diet.


Whole grain food, specifically brown rice, also helps in reducing high levels of cholesterol and reduces the chances of the onset of type 2 diabetes. It controls the sugar levels by delaying the absorption of certain nutrients thus reducing the increase of insulin.


Most diets today consist of low fat, high fibre diets. A high fibre diet would primarily consist of whole grains such as brown rice. Consuming brown rice three times a day will alleviate the hunger and leave you fully sated thus avoiding sweets and other foods which add to weight gain.


Studies indicate that certain cancers can be reduced by consuming brown rice, specifically, colon and prostate cancers. In addition, by including three servings of brown rice in a diet regimen, the risk of heart disease and stroke is limited.


Research indicates that brown rice can lower cardiovascular disease by 21 per cent, and doctors are encouraging patients to consume more whole grain foods than ever before.


The health benefits of brown rice are not only significant, but have proven to be effective in warding off disease and other conditions which can become chronic and, in some cases, life threatening.