The benefits of eating rice
Rice is one of the most widely used and eaten foods in the world with over half of the population depending on it. Usually boiled or steamed, it is eaten everyday making it a central component of many meals and side dishes including those of India, China and Southeast Asia. This implies that without rice, or something to take the place of rice, many people would go hungry.
You may find it hard to believe that you eat at least some amount of rice every day, or most days but it’s the fact! For instance, if you regularly eat sushi rolls, Chinese food, or curry dishes, chances are that rice is a major component of your meal. Without any doubt, rice is a delicious meal and can be eaten with just about anything including meat, tofu, vegetables, and more! Who wouldn’t want a hot bowl of rice, most especially for a Sunday brunch?
Given that rice is such a common staple, one might likely think if it is good for the body? Does it contribute to a healthier life?
Eating rice is extremely beneficial for your health. It is an integral part of a balanced diet and it doesn’t contain harmful fats, cholesterol or sodium. As a result, there’s a high chance of reducing obesity and other health conditions associated with being overweight through the intake of rice. Even in smaller quantities, it can keep you going, healthy and alive
While a smaller percentage of rice eaters do not know that rice is nutritious to the body, more people are aware of the several benefits of eating rice, but do not know what those benefits are exactly. Below are some of the most common nutritional benefits of eating rice
- Source of energy
Rice is known to contain a lot of carbohydrates that give our bodies the energy we need. Once taken, our bodies work to transform the carbohydrates found in rice into a functional, usable energy. It doesn’t stop there! These healthy carbohydrates found in rice also aids in the normal functioning of the brain as the brain takes it and uses it too. Other organic components such as minerals, vitamins, etc., found in rice also all aid in increasing the metabolic activity for all of your body’s organs. In doing so, your body has increased energy levels. So are you feeling tired and run down? Grab a bowl of rice!
- High Nutritional Value
Rice is also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. This is why it is used worldwide in various cuisines. Its nutritional content varies from calcium to iron, niacin, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, D and E, fiber, iron, thiamine etc., which provides the foundation for digestive and immune system health and general functioning of the system.
- Health Benefits
Having such unique nutritional value, the intake of rice aids in:
- Controlling Blood sugar: Consuming rice is a good way to control your blood sugar. The presence of fiber, most especially in brown rice, slows down the absorption of glucose in the body. This slowdown of glucose into the body gives the body’s insulin time to properly disperse the glucose throughout itself.
- Diuretic and Digestive Qualities
Eating rice is a great way to regulate your digestive system. The high fiber content increases bowel movement regularity and reduces constipation while also helping you lose excess water and toxins from the body. With low amounts of sodium, fat, and cholesterol, a healthy plate of rice is also a great step to preventing or reducing obesity.
- Managing blood pressure
An increase in blood pressure is caused when the veins and arteries constrict, as a result of an increased amount of sodium in the body. Since rice contains a low amount of sodium, it is considered one of the best foods for those suffering from high blood pressure and hypertension as its low-level sodium content would reduce the risks of such stress and strain on the cardiovascular system
- Improves Nervous System Health
Rice is the perfect support to your nervous system because it’s an amazing source of a variety of B vitamins. Such vitamins enable our nervous system to run smoothly and function properly.
- Reduce Cancer Risks and promote healthy heart
Eating rice is one of the proactive ways in reducing your chances of getting cancer! Since its high-fiber properties aid in digestion and lowers blood pressure, your system will be free of waste, which might affect any healthy cells within your body. Due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, Rice helps to decrease the risks for severe heart conditions such as heart attacks or strokes.
With all the aforementioned benefits and more, it is without any doubt that including rice in your meal plan is totally worth it for any trying to maintain a well rounded diet