Rice has been one of the staple foods in our Indian homes. Traditionally, rice was eaten with its husk on it. However, with time, people started eating dehusked or processed white rice. Unprocessed rice is still famous in villages and is considered healthier than processed rice. With people moving towards healthy eating and living routines, brown rice is becoming popular. Through this article we will learn the various brown rice benefits that can positively impact your health.
What is Brown Rice?
When you eat the whole grain without processing it, it is called brown rice. Germ and bran are the two outer layers of this brown rice, which contain the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals. When this exact grain goes through processing, the outer layers are removed, and it is called white rice. Because of the outer layers, brown rice is considered healthier than white rice. There are various advantages of brown rice if included adequately within the diet. However, it’s much chewier than the white one. Many people do not like its flavour.
Brown Rice Benefits
Brown rice is an excellent source of riboflavin, folate, calcium, potassium, and manganese. Manganese, in particular, is essential for wound healing, bone development, nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood sugar regulation. Just one cup of this rice can fulfil your daily requirement for this vital mineral, giving you endless brown rice benefits. Besides the above-listed brown rice benefits, this rice also contains plant-based compounds, especially antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress. This stress is linked to many chronic conditions, such as premature ageing and heart conditions. The antioxidants in brown rice can assist with reducing inflammation and preventing chronic diseases.
Another advantage of brown rice is that it supports digestive health. For healthy digestion, your body needs a lot of fibre, which is present in brown rice. Dietary fibre helps relieve constipation and regulate bowel movements, supporting digestive health.
Is Brown Rice Good for Weight Loss?
Obesity is becoming a common cause of many illnesses, and people have started realising the benefits of brown rice for weight loss. Looking at brown rice benefits, it is becoming a common addition to healthy diet plans. But why? Provided below are some of the facts that will answer this question:
- Manganese, an essential mineral, helps to synthesise body fats. This rice may reduce your body mass index and fat as it contains anti-obesity solid elements. Another advantage of brown rice is that it increases cholesterol levels, which is good for overall health.
- Many studies suggest replacing refined grains with whole grains can lead to better weight management. Therefore, brown rice for weight loss is an excellent whole-grain option as it contains much more fibre than refined grains. Eating fibrous food keeps your body full for a long time, reducing overeating and extra calorie consumption.
- The advantages of brown rice for weight loss don’t end with manganese and fibre; it has more to offer. It not only leads to weight reduction but can also keep it stable. Studies indicate that this rice may increase your body’s metabolic rate. If the resting metabolic rate is higher, your body will burn more calories even when relaxing or sitting.
So, choosing the best brown rice for weight loss will help you with holistic health improvement.
Final Thoughts
Brown rice benefits for your health are endless. If you add it as a regular part of your diet, it can help you control and manage weight, improve heart health, manage diabetes, and even slow down your premature ageing. Moreover, the best brown rice benefits are also associated with reducing metabolic syndrome and obesity, which can eventually promote overall health. Since it is gluten-free and made of whole grains, those with gluten allergies can eat it. It can be eaten any time of the day, and regardless of when you choose to eat, it will be a healthy addition to your holistic health and well-being.
