What are the benefits of rice for us?
According to the report of Dr. Salam, quoted by Mizan News Agency’s virtual space group, the health benefits of rice include providing quick and immediate energy, good digestive system activity, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and providing the body with the necessary sources of vitamin B1. Other benefits include skin care, resistance to problems such as high blood pressure, dysentery, and heart disease. Rice is one of the most important foods in most countries, which feeds more than half of the world’s population.
The various benefits of rice can be found in more than forty different varieties around the world. Its two main groups include whole grain rice and white rice. Whole grain rice is not processed much, as a result, it has a very high nutritional value, while white rice is processed, and therefore the bran or outer covering is removed, and it has a lower nutritional value. Rice is also classified according to the length of each grain. Indian and Chinese cuisines use very long rice, while Western countries use short or medium rice in their dishes.
Below are some of the most important health benefits of rice:
Excellent source of energy: Since rice is rich in carbohydrates, it can be used as fuel for the body and helps the normal functioning of the brain.
No cholesterol: Eating rice has many benefits for the body just because it is free of harmful fats, cholesterol and sodium. Rice can form an important part of a balanced diet.
Rich in vitamins: Rice is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals such as niacin, vitamin D, calcium, fiber, iron, thiamin and riboflavin.
Resistant starch: Rice is rich in resistant starch that reaches the intestines in undigested form and helps the growth of beneficial bacteria for the normal functioning of the intestines.
Blood pressure regulation: Since rice has a small amount of sodium, it is very useful for those who suffer from high blood pressure.
Cancer prevention: Whole grain rice like brown rice is rich in insoluble fiber that can protect the body against some cancers. Many scientists believe that such insoluble fibers are necessary to protect the body against cancer cells.
Prevention of dysentery: The part of rice bran is considered a very effective medicine for treating dysentery. The bran of the three-year-old rice tree contains diuretic properties. The Chinese believe that rice significantly increases appetite and cures stomach and digestive diseases.
skin care: Medical experts say that rice powder can be used to treat some skin diseases. In India, rice water is considered an effective ointment for Ayurvedic followers to cool the swollen skin surface.
Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease: It is said that brown rice contains a high level of neurotransmitter nutrients that can prevent Alzheimer’s disease to a great extent.
Cardiovascular health: Rice bran oil contains antioxidant properties that increase cardiovascular strength by reducing the level of cholesterol in the body.
According to the Rice Research Institute of the Philippines, the nutritional value of rice must be increased to benefit humans. Rice, one of the most commonly consumed grains worldwide, can improve the health of millions of people. By combining different traditional methods for growing rice and new biotechnology, many efforts are made to increase the nutritional value of rice. The institute also mentions that it is possible to grow rice with compounds rich in iron and zinc through fortification.
Other benefits of rice
Rice also prevents chronic constipation. The insoluble fiber in it acts as a soft sponge that quickly and easily enters the intestines. Brown rice and whole grains are rich in insoluble fiber, but it is recommended to drink plenty of water with these fiber foods to help relieve constipation. Diabetics are advised to include brown rice in their diet instead of white rice, which contains a low level of glycemic index. Just one cup of brown rice a day provides almost 100% of the manganese you need, which helps produce energy from carbohydrates and proteins. Brown rice is also extremely beneficial for the normal functioning of the body’s nervous system and the production of sex hormones.