Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits of Rice

Rice has a number of health benefits, which are often overlooked. When we think about rice the first thing that comes to our mind is that it is loaded with carbohydrates. But rice is not just carbohydrates; it is an essential source of vitamin B1 too. It can provide fast and instant energy, normalize and improve bowel movements, and stabilize blood sugar levels.

Ask any body builder and he would recommend eating rice over wheat-based rotis. This is because rice can increase the metabolism and help digestion.

It can also give a boost to your skin health, aid weight loss, reduce high blood pressure, improve the immune system and provide protection against cardiovascular diseases, cancer and dysentery.

Rice is inexpensive and is a staple diet in many counties. There are 40,000 varieties of rice available throughout the world. The two main categories are white rice and whole grain rice.

Here are some of the nutrition facts and health benefits of rice.

Great source of energy: Carbohydrates acts as a fuel for the body, and rice is rich in carbohydrates. It aids in the normal functioning of the brain.

Cholesterol free: Rice is devoid of cholesterol, harmful fats, or sodium. It forms an integral part of a balanced diet. It also helps reduce obesity and is one of the most widely eaten foods in the world.

Blood pressure management: It is low in sodium and can lower blood pressure. Sodium can cause veins and arteries to tighten, increasing the stress and strain on the cardiovascular system as the blood pressure increases. It can lead to heart attacks, and strokes.

Cancer prevention: To prevent cancer, eat brown rice or wholegrain rice. They are rich in insoluble fibre that can guard against different types of cancer, especially intestinal cancer. Besides fibre, rice also has natural antioxidants like flavonoid compounds, vitamin C, phenolic and vitamin-A.

Skin care: Research shows that powdered rice can cure certain skin ailments. It has anti-inflammatory properties, so it is also good for redness and any type of skin irritation. To reduce wrinkles and other premature signs of ageing, make rice a daily part of your diet. This is because rice is rich in antioxidants and can give a beauty boost to your skin.

Alzheimer's Disease: Brown rice contains nutrients in high level that aids the growth of neuro-protective enzymes in the brain and helps prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Diuretic and digestive qualities: Rice significantly improves appetite, and lessens all problems related to the digestive system. Rice husk, being a diuretic, can help eliminate toxins from the body, and even aid weight loss. It increases bowel movement regularity as it is rich in fibre content and guards against various types of cancer.

Rich in vitamins: It is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, niacin, fibre, calcium, iron, riboflavin and thiamine. These vitamins are essential to prevent diseases and boost our immune system. They are also essential for body metabolism, and general functioning of the organ systems.