BROWN RICE

BROWN RICE

Brown rice is an excellent source of magnesium, iron, selenium, manganese,  and the vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6. Brown rice is a good source of dietary fiber, protein, and gamma-oryzanol. White rice is brown rice that has had essential nutrients removed when processed in order to make it easier and faster to cook, and to give it  a longer shelf life. This is accomplished by removing the bran, and with it, minerals and vitamins that are necessary in our diet.

1. 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.

2. Pancreatic cancer is an extremely virulent form of cancer with few effective treatments. An in vitro  study has suggested that inositol hexaphosphate may be a therapy for treatment of pancreatic cancer. Brown rice has a rich content of manganese, which helps in the production of energy from carbohydrates and protein. The nutrient also plays a key role in  the synthesis of fatty acids, which is necessary for a healthy nervous system. One can  get about 88% of the daily need  of manganese by consuming just one cup of brown rice.

3. The manganese present in brown rice is also required for the antioxidant enzyme, super oxide dismutase, which protects the mitochondria against the free radicals formed during energy production. Brown rice is a rich source of fiber and selenium, both of which help lower the risk of colon cancer significantly. Selenium also works with vitamin E,  in several antioxidant systems of the body, which help fight against heart diseases. This is also beneficial against the symptoms of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. The rice also contains insoluble fiber, which helps women avoid developing gallstones. It is rich in fiber, which contributes towards the reduction of cholesterol level and also the prevention of atherosclerosis.

4. The fiber also binds to the cancer-causing chemicals, protecting the body against colon cancer. The fiber present in brown rice also helps normalize the bowel function and thus, reduces constipation. The oil present in brown rice helps in lowering the cholesterol level in the body. Brown rice is  extremely good for postmenopausal women with complains of high blood pressure, high  cholesterol, and other symptoms of cardiovascular diseases. It contains phytonutrients, which are highly beneficial for sound health.

5. Brown rice is abundant in plant lignans, which get converted into mammalian lignans like enterolactone, in the intestine.  Enterolactone is highly protective against breast and other hormone-dependent cancers and also heart diseases.

6. The rice helps in reducing the risk of insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is associated with symptoms like visceral obesity, high triglycerides, high blood pressure and low level of defensive HDL cholesterol.

7. Brown rice reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Brown rice is a good source of magnesium, which reduces the severity of asthma, lowers the frequency of migraine headaches and decreases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Magnesium balances the action of calcium and thus, helps in regulating nerve and muscle tone.

8. Brown rice offers major protection against breast cancer, especially in pre-menopausal women. Intake  of brown rice can  help the body fight against  childhood asthma. It is also protective against obesity, ischemic stroke and insulin resistance.

Caution - Brown rice is not seen to have any negative effect on the body, including any allergic effect. It does not contain any significant amount of oxalates and purines. However, the rice that is not grown organically is seen to contain traces of arsenic. Though low doses of arsenic are not seen to cause any serious diseases, its heavy intake can make one more susceptible to the risk of cancer. So, always go for the organically grown brown rice, as it is free of arsenic content.