8 Reasons you should ditch white rice and start eating brown rice

Hey fitfam, foodie, food lover…whoever you are, as far as you like to  keep fit and maintain a healthy diet this is for you. I realize sometimes our taste buds take time to adjust especially if you are new into the healthy eating community. So yes, you know the kinds of foods to eat by now if you like your body, things rich in whole wheat, fiber etc.

Speaking about rice, before white rice went through the refining process, it at one time looked exactly like brown rice. Brown rice, unlike white rice, still has the side hull and bran. The side hulls and brans provide “natural wholeness” to the grain and are rich in proteins, thiamine, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and potassium. For those trying to lose weight or those suffering from diabetes, brown rice can prove a healthful staple given its low glycemic rating which helps reduce insulin spikes.

Let us talk about brown rice today, I know for us Nigerians, the white rice is our birth right. We don’t play with it and will pass off every opportunity to substitute. I think the brown rice is the same with our Ofada rice which a few people are embracing–given that there is still a lot of work to do when it comes to the price and smell of the rice many people just eat it occasionally.
Now let me tell you the advantages of brown rice;

Brown rice is rich in Selenium

Brown rice is rich in selenium which reduces the risk for developing common illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and arthritis.

It also helps with weight loss

The fiber content of brown rice keeps bowel function at it’s peak since it makes digestion that much easier. Brown rice is the perfect addition to the daily diet for those seeking bowel regularity. In addition, brown rice also makes the tummy feel full which translates to smaller meal portions.

Brown rice is high in Manganese

One cup of brown rice provides 80% of our daily manganese requirements. Manganese helps the body synthesize fats. Manganese also benefits our nervous and reproductive systems.

Brown rice is rich in Naturally-Occurring Oils

Naturally occurring oils are beneficial for the body as these healthful fats help normalize cholesterol levels.

High in Fiber

Brown rice is high in fiber and on top of the list for foods that can help prevent colon cancer. This can be attributed to the high levels of fiber naturally contained in brown rice. These fibers attach to substances that cause cancer as well as to toxins in the body, thus eliminating them and keeping them from attaching to the colon wall.

Good for the diabetic

Brown rice helps stabilize blood sugar levels; therefore, it’s an excellent food choice for those suffering from diabetes. Studies show that those who consume one half cup of brown rice daily reduce their risks of developing diabetes by 60%. On the other hand, those who consume white rice regularly increase their chances of developing diabetes one hundred-fold.

You can call it Whole Grain

Brown rice is considered a whole grain since it hasn’t lost its “wholeness” through the refinement process. Wholes grains are proven to reduce the buildup of arterial plaque and reduce the risk of heart disease and high cholesterol.

Rich in Anti-Oxidants

This is one of the best kept secrets regarding brown rice. We usually associate anti-oxidant rich foods with blueberries, strawberries and other fruits and vegetables. The antioxidant capacity of brown rice is right up there with these super stars.