Health Benefits

Health benefits of Brown Rice

Sylvia

Rice is actually a food staple and main crop developed around the world. There are many different types of rice – which includes long-grain basmati, black rice, white rice and sticky (or glutinous) rice – however in terms of health advantages, not all are the same. Brown rice is among the healthiest as well as most-studied kinds of rice.

Brown rice or even also referred to as ‘hulled rice‘ is definitely the least processed type of rice. It’s just the outer layer or even hull removed, yet still maintains its external, brown-colored bran layer that provides a light brown color, nutty flavor, as well as chewy texture. Since brown rice has got the brain intact, it’s healthier yet takes more time to cook compared to white rice.

Brown rice is much better for you compared to white – the majority of us know that! It’s The majority of consumers usually select white rice over brown rice due to the variation of look. While it’s true white rice looks a lot more scrumptious compared to brown rice, it doesn’t mean it’s the healthier alternative. In accordance with research carried out by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, brown rice is definitely the top choice when it comes to both nutritional along with other natural healthy benefits.

Before white rice went through the  refining procedure, it at one time looked just like brown rice. Brown rice, unlike white rice, still has the side hull and bran, that makes quicker cooking times as well as makes it much easier to digest as it’s much “lighter” in the stomach. The side hulls and brans offer “natural wholeness” to the grain and therefore are abundant with proteins, thiamine, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and potassium. For all those attempting to lose weight or even those struggling with diabetes, brown rice can be a healthy staple provided its low glycemic rating that will help decrease insulin surges.

Regrettably, all white rice packaging has a label which reads “enriched.” Since white rice have been stripped of iron, vitamins, zinc, magnesium along with other nutrients throughout the refining process, producers should add unnatural fortifications in the form of synthetic vitamins and iron therefore it could be marketed to the public like a “nutritious food.” Even though white rice is fortified, it still doesn’t get to the minimum nutritional requirements for one serving of food as specified by the FDA.

As with white rice, brown rice will come in three types; short, medium, as well as long grain types. Typically the most popular is long grain rice simply because it remains firm, fluffy as well as separate when cooked. While short or medium grain is commonly more starchy and becomes quite tender when cooked.

Health benefits of Brown Rice

Health benefits of brown rice consist of better functioning of cardiovascular system, digestive system, brain as well as central nervous system. It is packed with powerful anti-oxidants which offer rest from a variety of health conditions like hypertension, unhealthy levels of cholesterol, stress, mental depression as well as skin conditions. Higher nutritional content in brown rice proves great at numerous medical conditions like cancer, obesity, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders and insomnia. It’s got anti-depressant properties helping maintain healthy bones and more powerful defense mechanisms.Listed here are a few well-known health advantages of Brown Rice:

1. Diabetes

Brown rice is effective for diabetic as well as hyperglycemic individuals. It features a low glycemic index that is useful in decreasing insulin surges as well as aids in the stabilization of glucose levels within the body. A comparative research carried out in this regard has said that brown rice is rich in phytic acid, fiber, and important polyphenols. It is just a complex carbohydrate which will help in slower release of sugars when compared with white rice. American diabetes association also suggests choosing nutrient-dense brown rice over white rice for diabetics in order to accomplish the need of essential vitamins, fiber and minerals within their diet.

2. Protect against colon cancer

Brown rice consists of selenium that has been proven to decrease the chance of colon cancer. The high amount of fiber within the rice accelerates the transit of cancer-causing chemicals within the gastrointestinal tract, and therefore might help protect against colon cancer.

3. Antioxidant activity

Brown rice is full of powerful anti-oxidants that prolong their protection from the damage brought on by oxygen free-radicals. It includes an essential anti-oxidant enzyme known as superoxide dismutase that safeguards the cells from oxidation damage throughout energy production. A comparative research involving white and brown rice has suggested that brown rice exhibits superior radical scavenging activity and helps with preventing numerous oxidation-mediated diseases like coronary heart diseases.

4. Prevent constipation

Because of its high fiber content, brown rice is incredibly good for the digestive system. It encourages healthy bowel movements, therefore preventing bowel problems.

5. Obesity

Brown rice is instrumental in looking for weight loss for anyone fighting with obesity. Brown rice consists of manganese which will help to synthesize the body fats. A research study carried out in this regard has stated that usage of whole grains like brown rice has positive results on the human body with regards to decrease in body mass index and body fat. Additionally, it increases the activity of glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme helping raise the levels of HDL cholesterol within the obese individuals. Another comparative studies have also recommended the anti-obesity effects of germinated brown rice.

6. Reduces asthma symptoms

As brown rice is full of magnesium, it will help decreases the signs of asthma. Several research has reported that the magnesium in brown rice will help decrease the harshness of asthma symptoms on the sufferers. The selenium content in brown rice is additionally advantageous against the asthma.

7. Neurodegenerative disorders

Germinated brown rice works well for preventing neurodegenerative complications like Alzheimer’s disease attributing to the abundance of gama-aminobutyric acid. Sprouted brown rice consists of healthy elements which will help within the inhibition of harmful enzyme known as protylendopetidase that is related to Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally it is very theraputic for other cerebral-related disorders like dementia and amnesia.

8. Reduces breast cancer risk

The phytonutrient lignan in brown rice works well for protecting from breast cancer as well as heart disease. A survey on elderly women demonstrated that consuming whole grain foods like brown rice boosts the levels of enterolactone, that have been considered to be connected with a decreased chance of breast cancer.

9. Psychosomatic health for lactating women

Sprouted brown rice is helpful for the mental health of the breast feeding mothers.  An investigative research has demonstrated positive results within the nursing women with regards to decrease in mood disturbances, stages of depression and fatigue. It has additionally recommended that usage of brown rice throughout lactation boosts body’s capability to resist stress and also enhances all round immune defense.

10. Digestive health

Brown rice is healthy staple which may be included with the daily diet to keep a healthy digestive system. Fiber contained in helps control the bowel function and keeps a fuller feeling. A relative research investigating the effects of white rice and brown rice throughout gastric digestion makes it qualitatively apparent that the bran layer on brown rice helps prevent the assimilation of acid and humidity leading to better texture retention. Fiber content additionally brings rest from other troubling situations like constipation and colitis.

11. Cardiovascular health

Brown rice is full of selenium that is very therapeutic for a healthy heart.  Consumption of whole grains like brown rice helps in reducing the blockage of arteries because of plaque buildup. This particular protective action is contributory within the lowering the chance of cardiac disorders like higher hypertension as well as vascular diseases. Research carried out in this regard have recommended that the tissue all around the grain of brown rice includes a healthful element that acts against the endocrine protein angiotensin II, implicated in the development of high blood pressure and atherosclerosis or even hardening of arteries.

12. Healthy levels of cholesterol

Brown rice is really a healthy choice for sustaining healthy cholesterol level attributing to the existence of naturally occurring oils. An investigative research has stated that brown rice have got hypocholesterolemic qualities as well as regulates cholesterol catabolism. It includes beneficial nutrition which help in lipid and glucose metabolism. Another research carried out has said that usage of brown rice has demonstrated substantial enhancement within the serum and HDL cholesterol concentrations in the subjects with chronic ethanol abuse. It’s got also recommended germinated brown rice extract works well for avoiding the rise in the liver triglycerides because of excessive alcohol consumption attributing to the existence of gamma-aminobutyric acid.

13. Cancer

Brown rice is useful in the protection against various cancers like colon cancer, breast cancer as well as leukemia. This particular advantageous result can be related to the existence of powerful anti-oxidants and high fiber content within the brown rice. The fiber content contained in brown rice has the capacity to bind itself to the harmful cancer causing harmful toxins within the body. This prevents the toxins from attaching towards the colon walls helping eliminate them from the body. An investigative research evaluating the chemopreventive properties of brown rice has confirmed that brown rice bran consists of important phenols like tricin, ferulic acid, caffeic acid that is present at much lower levels in white rice. These types of phenolic elements are useful for the inhibiting the proliferation of colon and breast cancer cells. Another research has revealed the stimulatory effect of germinated brown rice on the induction of apoptosis and its particular inhibitory effects on the manufacture of leukemia cancer cells. Furthermore, studies have confirmed the antitumor effects of dietary brown rice brans.

14. Gallstone prevention

A survey published within the American Journal of Gastroenterology discovered that a diet full of insoluble fibre, like can be found in brown rice, was related to reduce chance of gallstones in women.

15. Brain & Nervous system

Brown rice is effective for the smooth functioning of the brain as well as nervous system. It will help in accelerating the metabolism in the brain attributing to the existence of vitamin B and essential minerals like manganese. Magnesium contained in brown rice balances the activity of calcium within the body and helps within the regulating nerves and muscle tone. It helps prevent the sudden rush of calcium in the nerve cells and activation of nerve. This particular aid in keeping the nerves and muscles relaxed preventing excessive contraction. Vitamin E contained in brown rice also plays an important role in preventing various brain diseases caused because of oxidative damage.

16. Anti-depressant properties

Germinated brown rice possesses anti-depressant qualities and helps in fighting anxiety associated problems. An investigative research has suggested that germinated brown rice consists of essential amino acids like glutamine, glycerin and GABA. These inhibitory neurotransmitters facilitate decrease in the allowance of messages related to anxiety, depression and stress within the brain resulting in a relaxed state of well-being.

17. Insomnia

Brown rice useful in the management of insomnia. Brown rice is really a natural source of sleep hormone melatonin. It increases the quality of sleep by relaxing the nerves and enhancing the sleep cycle.

18. Strong immunity system

Brown rice is packed with considerable amount of vitamins, minerals and essential phenolic components that really help increase the defense mechanisms of the body. It nourishes the body, speeds up healing and enhances its capability to fight bacterial infections.

19. Bone health

Brown rice is helpful in the maintenance of healthy bones. It is rich in magnesium which along calcium provides the bones their physical structure. Magnesium-rich brown rice prevents bone demineralization and is also very theraputic for health conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis.

20. Perfect Baby Food

Brown rice cereal or brown rice itself is an ideal baby’s first food because of the dense natural nutrition and fiber it includes. This can be a far better option compared to refined white rice cereal products as speedily growing babies and toddlers need nutrient rich diets to assist maintain rapid growth cycles.

21. Protects Against Childhood Asthma

Research indicates that the usage of whole grains, like brown rice together with fish decreases asthmatic as well as wheezing symptoms by 50%.

22. For Brain Health

Brown rice consists of Vitamin B and also manganese. These types of nutrition assist in enhancing the health of brain. The rice consists of magnesium, that is great for the nerves. The rice has got Vitamin E, which will help in avoiding oxidative damage within the brain. As a result, brown rice is perfect for the central nervous system.

Brown Rice Benefits for Skin:

1. For Blemish Free Skin

The rich content of fiber along with other important minerals in brown rice work nicely to provide you a strong and blemish-free skin. Brown rice comes complete with antioxidants, vitamins as well as magnesium, that safeguard the skin from imperfections and pimples. The insulin made by the use of white rice triggers manufacture of sebum onto the skin. Excess sebum onto the skin may cause acne breakouts. Brown rice successfully helps prevent this matter.

2. Stalls Premature Aging

Full of proteins, brown rice repairs damaged skin. Fluctuating bood sugar levels can result in stress, that is one of the major reasons for aging. Complex carbohydrates contained in the brown rice can help in controlling the blood sugar levels, avoiding premature aging. Rice bran is additionally considered impressive whenever used topically, in avoiding wrinkles.

3. Maintains Skin’s Elasticity And Youth

The selenium contained in brown rice helps you to maintain skin elasticity and lower skin inflammation. Brown rice may also be used to prepare a face mask. To make this particular face mask, very first grind brown rice till they’re very fine. Mix 1 tbsp of plain yoghurt with ½ tbsp of ground rice. Apply this mix to face. Rinse it along with warm water after leaving it for around Ten minutes.

Brown Rice Benefits for Hair

Brown rice is wonderful for maintaining healthier hair. It includes Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3, VitaminB6, Vitamin E, folacin, potassium and a lot of fiber-all of which are essential for healthy hair.

1. Heals Damaged Hair

All of these minerals as well as nutrition are needed by the hair to grow healthily. Brown rice can be applied, along with ingredients, to deal with damaged hair. Mix ground rice with egg white and add a cup of water to it. Whisk this mix to make it just a little frothy. Apply this mix to the hair. Rinse off after about 10 minutes. It can help clean the hair and take away dirt and excess oil.

History of Brown Rice

Rice is native to China, where it absolutely was grown about 6,000 years ago. But, historical discoveries show the existence of primitive rice seeds as well as ancient farm tools dating back to as soon as 7000 BC. Rice was a unique staple food of Asia and it was introduced to the Mediterranean region by Arab merchants and also to India by Alexander the Great, within the 15th century. Gradually, these rice crops spread to other areas of the world. Eventually, it absolutely was the Portuguese who started the farming of rice in Italy, within the 16th century, whilst the Crusaders brought it to France. In 1647, the Spanish introduced rice in South America during the colonization of the continent. In the United States, grains of rice were first cultivated in the state of Virginia. By 1750, it spread to South Carolina, Louisiana and California. Today, rice is in a commercial sense grown in seven American states. A majority of the world’s rice production originates from the continent of Asia, with Thailand, China and Vietnam being its leading exporters.

Types of Brown Rice

Brown rice gets its color, taste as well as texture from the bran layers which remain on the rice when it experiences the hulling process. It’s milled for less time than white rice, and that’s why it retains the bran layers and is also recognized for being a healthy source of fiber as well as for its chewy texture as well as nut-like flavor. You will discover four different types of brown rice – short grain, medium grain, long grain and light brown – and every takes a different quantity of times to cook.

1. Short Grain Brown Rice

Short grain brown rice includes small kernels and may have got a sticky texture when it is cooked. Due to this, it really works well for rice puddings and similar desserts, in addition to risotto. Short grain brown rice needs 25 minutes of cooking time right after being soaked over night.

2. Medium Grain Brown Rice

Medium grain brown rice is greater and much more plump compared to small grain variety, although not as large as the long grain. Whenever cooked, it might be moist and tender, which makes it a great component for soups, salads as well as side dishes. Whenever soaked for around four hours and cooked along with two parts of salted water, this kind of brown rice is done in 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Long Grain Brown Rice

The variety of brown rice that individuals are most familiar with is the long grain variety. This kind has that familiar golden brown color, chewy texture and nutty flavor. Long grain brown rice is often utilized in a number of dishes, which includes rice pilaf and stir fry. Long grain brown rice requires 45 minutes of cooking time.

4. Light Brown Rice

Brown rice becomes light brown rice whenever half of the bran is removed throughout the milling process. The result is a rice kernel with a light brown color, slightly nutty flavor, less fiber along with a considerably shorter cooking time – 20 minutes – compared to regular long grain brown rice.

Nutritional Value & Calories In Brown Rice

Amount: 1 cup

Total Weight: 190 g

Nutrients Amount
Basic Components  
Ash 2.9 g
Proteins 15 g
Water 19.8 g
   
Calories  
Calories From Carbohydrate 600
Calories From Fat 45
Calories From Protein 50
Total Calories 695
   
Carbohydrates  
Dietary Fiber 6.6 g
Sugar 1.6 g
Total Carbohydrates 146 g
   
Fats & Fatty Acids  
Monounsaturated Fat 1.9 g
Omega-3 Fatty Acids 81 mg
Omega-6 Fatty Acids 1.8 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9 g
Saturated Fat 1.1 g
Total Fat 5.3 g
   
Vitamins  
Choline 58.3 mg
Folate 38 mcg
Niacin 8.9 mg
Pantothenic Acid 2.8 mg
Riboflavin 129 mcg
Thiamin 773 mcg
Vitamin B6 0.97 mg
Vitamin E 2.3 mg
Vitamin K 3.6 mcg
   
Minerals  
Calcium 53 mg
Copper 526 mcg
Iron 3.1 mg
Magnesium 272 mg
Manganese 7.1 mg
Phosphorus 567 mg
Potassium 466 mg
Selenium 44 mcg
Sodium 10 mg
Zinc 3.8 mg

 

Suggestions For Eating Brown Rice

In case you have never consumed brown rice just before and also make a start, a good idea is usually to mix one portion of white rice and one portion of brown rice whenever cooking. Gradually decrease the percentage of white rice and permit the brown rice to be the major portion within your rice usage. You may invariably start liking the full, rich nut just like flavour and texture of brown rice. Continue your brown rice diet and when you ever try white rice again, you’ll instantly feel that it features a dull and starchy flavour that doesn’t impress you. Few individuals change back to eating white rice after you have consumed brown rice for a few months. Ensure that you view the packing date on when you purchase brown rice. You need to ideally consume the brown rice within 3 to 4 months from the packing date. Refrigerating it in the tightly sealed plastic bag can boost the shelf life to about 5 to 6 months. Storing brown rice beyond this period provides the rice a stale rancid flavour. You will probably find that some brown rice seeds are extremely brown while some seem like they’ve been partly stripped of the bran (brown layer). It is because the polish process might be totally left off (fully brown seeds) or partially done. In cases where the brown rice is partially polished, the seeds could seem to have a lighter shade of brown or perhaps appear a bit patchy along with brown and white patches. The cooking time as well as soaking time for the rice may well vary depending on the extent to which the rice is polished. A little practice might allow you to work out the right levels of soaking time and the appropriate amount of water to be additional whenever cooking your brown rice.

Cooking Brown Rice

The majority of us are very used to cooking white rice and also the basic concept remains the same whenever cooking brown rice too. However, whenever you make brown rice ensure that you allow the rice to soak in the water for approximately 25 to 30 minutes just before turning on the heat. This is actually the proper way to cook brown rice since the grains really are a bit more tough as well as stiff. Soaking in water just before cooking the brown rice assists to soften the grains. Cooking the brown rice with an excessive amount of water helps make the grains stick together and feel like a paste. On the other hand utilizing too little water to cook brown rice will, result in the grains too stiff as well as not bring out the full flavor of brown rice. Many cooks would offer recommend how to cook brown rice, however it is good for you to understand the basics after which do the fine tuning to match your taste.

When working out the proportion of water to be included with cook brown rice, commence with a 1:2 ratio. Which means that you add 2 cups of water to 1 cup of brown rice. Complete the brown rice cooking and look the texture of the rice by consuming a few cooked grains (allow to cool sufficiently prior to trying this). This gives you a starting parameter to work with and you may then make subtle changes to the time that the rice is soaked (before cooking) as well as the proportion of water and brown rice.

Brown rice recipes

Brown rice features a lovely nutty taste and is full of minerals and vitamins. We now have lots of brown rice recipes, from rice salads to rice puddings. Try instead of white rice for a more nutritious meal.

1. Brown Rice Porridge

An effective way of utilizing up leftover brown rice. It is great for breakfast. Whip up this particular batch of brown rice porridge simply by simmering together cooked brown rice, milk, dried blueberries, cinnamon, honey, egg, vanilla and butter. You can include whatever dried fruit you fancy. In reality, you can even turn it into a little sweeter and serve it as a nutritious rice pudding!

Ingredients

Method

Combine the cooked brown rice, milk, blueberries, cinnamon and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil, after that decrease heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Beat the egg in a tiny bowl. Temper the egg by whisking in certain of the hot rice, a tablespoon at a time til you have incorporated about 6 tablespoons. Stir the egg in the rice combined with the vanilla and butter and continue cooking over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes to thicken.

2. Cumin Spiced Brown Rice

A delightfully easy and healthy fried rice dish. Brown rice is stir-fried along with onion, celery, raisins and seasonings. Serve as is or like a side dish with any meal.

Ingredients

Method

Bring brown rice, chicken stock, butter and bay leaf to the boil in the saucepan over high heat. Decrease heat to medium-low, cover and simmer till the rice is tender, 45 to 50 minutes; discard bay leaf.

Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in the frying pan over medium-high heat. Stir in onion and ginger; cook and stir before the onion starts to brown on the edges, about 3 minutes. Stir within the cumin and coriander, then stir in the celery as well as raisins. Decrease heat to medium and cook till the celery becomes tender, about 5 minutes. Once ready, stir the onion mixture in the cooked rice combined with the soy sauce; season to taste along with pepper.

3. Perfect Brown Rice Salad

A refreshing differ from the humdrum pasta salad. Brown rice is cooked, then tossed with red onions, celery, cranberries and balsamic vinaigrette. Function as a side dish.

Ingredients

Method

In a saucepan, bring water to the boil. Stir in rice, cover and lower heat to low. Simmer for 45 to 60 minutes or until done.

Transfer rice into a serving bowl and stir in onion, celery, cranberries, dressing and sugar. Cover, refrigerate and serve cold.

4. Brown Rice Pilaf with Tomatoes and Black Beans

Brown rice, black beans, tomatoes, a little bit of onion and oil as well as in about 15 minutes you’ve got a scrumptious vegetarian meal which is also nutritious.

Ingredients

Method

In big saucepan, heat oil over medium high. Add onion, cook and stir till tender. Add beans, tomatoes, oregano and garlic. Bring to the boil; stir in rice. Cover; reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.

Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes just before serving.

Note:

Black turtle beans, or just ‘black beans’ for brief, are specifically common in Latin American cuisine. Full of fibre and full of nutrients, they are a healthy accessory for any dish. If you cannot find tinned black beans, utilize dried. Or maybe you would like to stick with tinned, virtually any bean – kidney, haricot, borlotti – would work well within this recipe!

5. Quick and Easy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

This particular fried rice recipe utilizes leftover brown rice. Feel free to use cooked white rice, but make certain it’s cold prior to making this dish. With rice, chicken, peas, peppers and onions, it is a good square meal.

Ingredients

Method

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the huge frying pan set over medium heat. Add the chicken, pepper, spring onions and garlic. Cook and stir prior to the chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Take out the chicken to the plate and keep warm.

Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil within the same frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the rice; cook and stir to heat through. Stir within the soy sauce, rice vinegar and peas; continue to cook for 1 minute. Return the chicken mixture to the frying pan and stir to combine using the rice and heat through before serving.

How to Buy Brown Rice

You could find brown rice in pre-packaged and bulk containers in each and every marketplace, all year round.Check for the presence an expiration date as brown rice has a tendency to get spoiled because of its natural oils.Ensure that the packaged container in which brown rice appears doesn’t have any proof of moisture.To purchase top quality brown rice, go for organic varieties since they make sure maximum quality as well as healthy nutrition.

Brown Rice Storing Tips

In case you look at the brown rice grains, you will observe the brownish bran layer that clings to the grain. Within the normal process utilized to get white rice, this bran layer could be taken off in a polishing process. It is primarily the bran layer that may be affected by prolonged storage and provide the brown rice a rancid flavor if stored for longer than four or five months. The rancid flavour of brown rice when stored for very long periods, is due the natural oils within the bran layer of the rice grains becoming stale. You are able to boost the shelf life of brown rice by refrigerating the (uncooked) rice. However if you make a direct comparison, white rice features a longer shelf-life when compared with brown rice. While you shop for the brown rice, look into the manufacturing date on the packet and select a store which has a higher customer turnaround.

Brown rice side effects

Brown rice is usually hypoallergenic and doesn’t include any tremendous amount of disturbing elements like purines or oxalates.

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