Rice is the most staple food in Nigeria. It is eaten across the world and can be made into any recipe of your choice.
Rice is produced locally and imported too. The most common type of rice is white rice though there is brown rice where most of the health benefits in rice is.
White rice contains high vitamin B, fiber and minerals. However, when the process of turning brown rice into white rice, the rice lost almost 90% of vitamin B (especially vitamin B6), half of minerals such as manganese, iron and phosphorus. Most content of fiber and some fatty acids are also lost. That is why a lot of people are considering replacing their white rice into brown rice.
Read to find out the hidden benefits in rice:
1. Controlling blood sugar
Both the brown and white rice helps to Lower blood sugar level, however, the most effective of them is brown rice and this is because more fibre is found in the husk. So, brown rice does a better business at slowing down the absorption of glucose in the body.
2. Promotes heart health
Rice is naturally anti-inflammatory and Contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the risk of severe heart conditions such as stroke or heart attack. In this case too, brown rice is more beneficial because it contains husk where most of the nutrients is found.
3. Used for skin care
Rive can be used as a good skin care product. More often brown rice is used due to its phenolic compounds, these compounds work to reduce redness and soothe irritation on the skin.
4. Reduces cancer risk
Rice has high-fiber properties that aids in digestion and lowering blood pressure and by its fibrous content, it keeps a healthy digestive track which means that the body waste does not sit in the body for too long which lowers the chance of waste getting into healthy cells thereby preventing certain cancer types.
5. Rich in Vitamins
Rice has vitamins which has anti-oxidant such as Vitamin A & C that helps the body to get rid of free radicals.
6. A good source of energy
Rice is a good source of carbohydrate and our bodies need a good amount of carbohydrate for activities. Due to the increased energy level, it increases metabolic Activities for the body system.
7. Prevent obesity
Rice has a low amount of sodium, fat and cholesterol that helps to reduce obesity. The rich fiber content goes a long way too.
8. Maintain healthy bones
Both white and brown rice is rich in magnesium and calcium though brown is richer. These minerals help to maintain healthy bones.
9. High in folate
Folate is good for pregnant women due to its folate content. Rice, especially brown rice is rich in folate and pregnant women are advised to take brown rice during pregnancy.
