Health Benefits of Brown Rice

Health Benefits of Brown Rice 

Brown rice is the least processed form of rice. It contains the nutrient-dense bran and inner germ layers as well as the starchy endosperm. Its bran coating gives brown rice its light tan color, nut-like flavor and hearty texture.

Brown rice is not only delicious; it’s very nutritious as well. It has only 108 calories per 1/2 cup of cooked rice. It’s low in fat, has no sodium,only trace amounts of fat and no trans fat. Brown rice is a complex carbohydrate that provides 15 essential nutrients, including B-vitamins,niacin and potassium. It’s a good source of dietary fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients that provide protective health benefits.

1. Brown rice is an excellent source of magnesium, iron, selenium, manganese, protein, mineral, gamma-oryzanol, dietary fiber and the vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6.

2. In the polishing process the rice bran oil is removed, which without the protective layer removed in the initial stages of processing, will quickly become rancid. The rice bran oil, which is present only in brown rice, contains gamma-oryzanol, a compound with the ability to lower cholesterol.

3. The postprandial blood glucose response of ten healthy and nine diabetes type 2 volunteers to brown rice was compared to milled rice from the same batch and variety. The study concluded that brown rice is more beneficial for diabetes type 2 and hyperglycemic individuals than milled rice. 

4. Inositol hexaphosphate, a naturally occurring molecule found in high-fiber foods such as brown rice, is a compound that has been shown to demonstrate cancer prevention properties. Inositol hexaphosphate holds great promise in strategies for the prevention and treatment of cancer.