The advent of imported foods into our country is quite a good thing, but of what use is it to our health when all we get is diseases and health conditions more prevalent to Europe and America. Immune diseases/disorders where not African due to our natural foods, of which our local rice is an evidence. We have been discouraged by the whites from valuing what we have even the brown rice, but this same rice is highly priced in America and Europe much more than their polished rice.
Our local rice known internationally as brown rice is loaded with powerful antioxidants which provide relief from a range of ailments such as hypertension, unhealthy levels of cholesterol, stress, mental depression and skin disorders. The health benefits of this rice include better functioning of cardiovascular system, digestive system, brain and nervous system. High nutritional content in this rice proves effective in various medical conditions such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders and insomnia. It has anti-depressant properties and helps maintain healthy bones and stronger immune system.
Brown rice is an unrefined and unpolished whole grain which is produced by just removing the surrounding hull of the rice kernel. This rice grain retains its nutrient-dense bran and germ layer. It is chewable as compared to white rice and has a nutty flavor. Germinated brown rice also known as ‘sprouted brown rice’ is another popular form of brown rice attributing to its extra-nutritious value. High nourishing content of the germinated this rice owes to the presence of gama-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Germinated brown rice can be obtained by soaking and sprouting of the rice in water for a specified number of hours. This method has been considered best for obtaining the maximum amount of GABA and elevating the levels of proteins and good enzymes in the germinated the rice. The process of germination also leads to significant increase in essential components such as ferulic acid, lysine, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, niacin, vitamin B 6, thiamine, and dietary fiber in the germinated brown rice. These released nutrients aids in better absorption during digestion and prevent intestinal irritations, inflammations and allergies. Germinated brown rice can be stored in dried form to increase its shelf life without effecting its advanced nutritional worth.
Why eat brown rice?
Most of us are unaware about the fact that brown rice is better than white or polished rice. The reason that makes this rice stand out is the super quality and quantity of nutrients which the rice offers. Unlike polished rice, brown rice does not go through the process of milling and polishing and hence retains its immense treasure of healthful components. The process of milling that converts brown rice into white rice strips away most of its nutritional value. There are varieties of brown rice available in the market with their unique flavor, aromatic components and varied concentration of fatty acids.
Nutritional facts:
Brown rice is a natural wholesome food rich in essential minerals such as manganese, iron, zinc, phosphorous, calcium, selenium, magnesium and potassium. Vitamin wealth of brown rice includes vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6, folate, vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and vitamin K. The rice is a source of protein and adds good amount of fiber content to our diet. Along with this, the rice is also a provider of health-supportive vital fatty acids.
Health benefits of brown rice:
Brown rice is beneficial for diabetic and hyperglycemic individuals. It has a low glycemic index which is helpful in insulin surges and assists in the stabilization of blood sugar levels in the body. A comparative study conducted in this regard has revealed that brown rice is rich in phytic acid, fiber, and essential polyphenols. It is a complex carbohydrate which helps in slower release of sugars as compared to white or polish rice. American diabetes association also recommends choosing nutrient-dense brown rice over white rice for diabetics in order to accomplish the need of essential vitamins, fiber and minerals in their diet.
Cancer: Brown rice is helpful in the prevention of various cancers such as colon cancer, breast cancer and leukemia. This beneficial effect can be attributed to the presence of potent antioxidants and high fiber content in the rice. The fiber content present in brown rice has the ability to bind itself to the harmful cancer causing toxins in the body. This prevents the toxins from attaching to the walls of the colon and helps eliminate them from the body. An investigative study evaluating the chemopreventive properties of brown rice has validated that brown rice bran contains essential phenols such as tricin, ferulic acid, caffeic acid which is present at much lower levels in white or polish rice.
Dr. Tonifelix C. Manu
(PHYTOTHERAPIST)
LOVE & GRACE NATURE CURE CLINIC
ONNE ELEME RIVERS STATE
