Main image via Chowhound
While we still have a long way to go when it comes to overall fitness and health as a nation, it‘s encouraging to see that more and more Malaysians are starting to take the initiative to live a healthier lifestyle.
Yet, despite hitting the gym more and choosing healthier food options, there’ll always be one thing that we’ll never be able to cut out of our diet: white rice. It’s quite literally the one thing we consume on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, white rice isn’t so great if we’re truly committed to being healthy. That’s because white rice is a refined carbohydrate that’s tied to weight gain, and due to the processing it goes through in the factory, it contains less protein, fibre, and vitamins.
But fret not, you don’t have to give up your favourite rice dish. All you got to do is switch to brown rice instead. Here are six reasons why…
#1 It’s good for your heart
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Brown rice is a rich source of magnesium, which isn’t only good for your bones, but also helps regulate blood pressure, contributing to lower risks of cardiovascular diseases. Brown rice also contains the phytonutrient plant lignans, which can help protect you from various diseases including heart disease.
#2 It helps your body produce energy
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Just one cup of brown rice is enough to provide our bodies with approximately 80% of its daily manganese requirement. Manganese – along with B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, and B6) that brown rice is also rich in – helps our bodies convert proteins and carbohydrates into energy.
#3 It helps lowers the risk of cancer
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That same one cup that provides your body with manganese also provides about 35% of the daily recommended intake of selenium, which is associated with a lower risk of colon cancer and prostate cancer. Selenium also helps repair damaged cells, which in turn can help stop cancer cells from spreading.
#4 It helps keep our bowels healthy
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In contrast to its white counterpart, brown rice retains its side hull and bran, which are great source of fibre. Fibre, as many of us already know, helps keep our bowels healthy by promoting regular bowel movements and reducing constipation.
The high fibre content in brown rice is also good for those seeking to lose weight as it makes you feel full despite smaller meal portions.
#5 It’s perfect for people with diabetes
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Brown rice is a slow-release carbohydrate that helps stabilise blood sugar levels, allowing it to play a role in the prevention of diabetes and making it suitable for those suffering from the condition.
It has also been shown to reduce 24-hour blood glucose and fasting insulin responses. In fact, studies have shown that simply replacing 50g of white rice brown rice per day can helps in lower risk of Type 2 Diabetes by 16%.
#6 It contains antioxidants
Image via Daily Mirror
Antioxidants are anti-inflammatories that have been credited with helping with everything from arthritis to asthma. In fact, brown rice is shown to be equal in its antioxidant content to fruits such as blueberries.
But, as wonderful as brown rice is to our health, many are still of the perception that it’s rough in texture and has an unpalatable taste. The good news is that you can still reap all the health benefits of brown rice through ecoBrown’s range of gluten-free wholegrain rice drinks packed with vitamins B1, B3, and B6!
ecoBrown’s Wholegrain Rice Beverage delivers a wholesome delicious original flavour, the taste of brown rice, black rice and red rice. This instant beverage is easy to prepare and enjoy anytime, anywhere.
So, better start the switch now. Your body will thank you.