Gone are those days when you had to ditch rice completely while on a strict fitness regime. For ages, Brown rice has come as a saviour, for fitness enthusiasts especially. Its high nutritional value coupled with amazing texture and irresistible flavour has made it one of the best Indian superfoods.
Health Benefits:
At some point in our lives, we have all heard about the wonders of eating brown rice. But if you still haven’t convinced yourself to swap white rice for brown rice, we are sure these brilliant health benefits will help. The first marvelous health benefit of brown rice is that it helps in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and high cholesterol. Since brown rice is a whole grain, it is rich in selenium and further helps in reducing the blockage of arteries due to plaque build-up. If you are on a weight-loss diet, then including brown rice in your diet is definitely going to help you lose weight faster. This is because of its fibre content that makes digestion easier and also makes the tummy feel full which eventually leads to smaller meal portions.
If you are suffering from a weak immunity system, then include this magical food in your daily menu and build a strong body which is disease-free. Since brown rice is loaded with significant quantities of vitamins, minerals and essential phenolic components, it nourishes the body, accelerates healing and enhances its ability to fight infections. Brown rice is also beneficial for the smooth functioning of the brain and nervous system as it helps in accelerating the metabolism in the brain. If you are a diabetes patient, then its low glycaemic index will help in reducing insulin surges and assists in the stabilisation of blood sugar levels in the body which will help in battling diabetes.
Did You Know?
• It is relatively low in calories (216 calories per cup), high in fibre, gluten-free and can be incorporated into a variety of dishes.
• With brown rice, only the hull of the rice kernel is removed during preparation. This leaves most of the rice kernel’s nutrition value intact.
• Also, brown rice can be turned into white rice by removing and polishing more of the kernel—but with that process comes a loss in nutrients.
• More than 740 million tons of rice were produced worldwide in 2013, according to National Geographic. Most of it, about 671 million tons, was grown in Asia.
Availability:
Throughout the year.
Storage:
Transfer brown rice in an airtight container, preferably in a mason jar or tightly lidded plastic container and store it in your pantry. Ensure that the storage area is out of bright light and both cooler and darker to store the rice for about six months.
