8 health benefits of rice

Rice is a staple carb in the diet of many, particularly in oriental diets such as that of the Chinese, Japanese and Korean. There is a wide array of health benefits that rice can offer, giving your body a boost, aiding in weight loss and increasing your energy levels. Adding rice to your diet can be highly beneficial, not to mention deliciously enjoyable! So, here are just 10 of the incredible benefits that oriental rice can offer your body:

1. Instant source of energy

This means that rice can help you to feel fuller for longer and fuel you through your day without the need for snacking regularly. The complex carbohydrate is perfect for anyone trying to lose weight because of this, although you should bear in mind that whole grain rice is a healthier option to white rice as it is less processed and has a greater nutritional value.

2. Slow the ageing process

It is said that rice can help to slow the ageing process due to the vitamins found in the grains. This includes vitamin B1, which helps the heart, metabolism and nervous system, and Manganese, which again helps with the metabolism, as well as growth, development and the antioxidant system.

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This may be a little odd, but in many areas of the world including India, powdered rice or rice water can be applied to the skin to either sooth an itch or ailment, as well as help wrinkles and blemishes due to the antioxidant capabilities. Through both eating and applying to the skin, your body can benefit from the nutrients, and supposedly you’ll never have a bad skin day again.

4. Weight loss

It is said that rice husk can help to speed up your weight loss efforts as it can be of aid eliminating toxins from the body. The high-fibre nature of the grain increases the regularity of bowel movements and helps toxins to be removed from the body at a faster rate, allowing your body to use the energy on other tasks during the day.

5. Gluten-free

For those who suffer from gluten intolerance, rice is a great alternative carbohydrate that you can eat with ease. As rice has no gluten, it is one of the best non-allergic foods. Rice can also be made into forms of flour and milk, providing a gluten-free substitute for many other ingredients during baking and other cooking forms.

6. Healthy heart

One of the most well known benefits of rice is its wealth of antioxidants, which are highly beneficial to the heart. It can help to reduce bad cholesterol which can have damaging effects on the heart, as well as helping your body to build up a powerful resistance to heart related diseases.

7. Slow-release sugar

Brown rice, in particular, is good for offering your body slow release sugars, which help to stabilise blood sugar levels. Statistics show that consuming just ½ a cup of brown rice a day can reduce your risk of developing diabetes by up to 60%! White rice, however, is not so good, so try and swap in brown rice where you can to reap the maximum benefits!

8. Lunch time life saver

Although it is not recommended to have rice less than 3 hours before going to sleep, it is a great option for lunchtime. Rice is low in salt and sugars meaning that it is a healthy option for lunch, particularly if you have an active activity schedule. It will keep you feeling fuller and energised for longer, without any negative effects!