Health Benefits of Brown Rice

Brown rice is a super whole grain which is packed with high degree of healthy components. It extends its beneficial effects to most of the organs including healthy heart, digestion, brain, bones, muscles, cholesterol and blood pressure. Brown rice is also beneficial for treating skin ailments like psoriasis, promotes healthy skin and restores hair loss.Brown rice is rich in folate which is extremely essential during pregnancy for healthy growth of the fetus. Small portions of brown rice are also recommended for the patients suffering from candida infections attributing to its richness in digestive enzymes which is apt for a weakened digestive system. Brown rice tones up the body and mind and helps combat general weakness and deficits in the body.

Why eat brown rice?

The reason that makes the brown rice stand out is the super quality and quantity of nutrients which the brown rice offers. Unlike white 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 many varieties of brown rice available in the market with their unique flavor, aromatic components and varied concentration of fatty acids.

Health Benefits of Brown rice

Diabetes: Brown rice is beneficial for diabetic and hyperglycemic individuals. It has a low glycemic index which is helpful in reducing 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 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.

Obesity: Brown rice is instrumental in seeking weight control for the people combating with obesity. Brown rice contains manganese which helps to synthesize the body fats. A research study conducted in this regard has revealed that consumption of whole grains such as brown rice has positive effects on the body with respect to reduction in body mass index and body fat. It also enhances the activity of glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme and helps elevate the levels of HDL cholesterol in the obese individuals. Another comparative research has also advocated the anti-obesity effects of germinated brown rice.

Digestive health: Brown rice is healthful staple which can be added to the daily diet for keeping a healthy digestive system. Fiber present in helps regulate the bowel function and keeps a fuller feeling. A comparative study investigating the effects of white rice and brown rice during gastric digestion has made it qualitatively evident that the bran layer on brown rice prevents the absorption of acid and humidity resulting in better texture retention. Fiber content also brings relief from other troubling conditions such as constipation and colitis.

Cardiovascular health: Brown rice is rich in selenium which is beneficial for a healthy heart.  Consumption of whole grains such as brown rice helps reduce the blockage of arteries due to plaque buildup. This protective action is contributory in the reducing the risk of cardiac disorders such as high hypertension and vascular diseases. Studies conducted in this regard have suggested that the tissue surrounding the grain of brown rice contains a healthful component which acts against the endocrine protein angiotensin II, implicated in the development of high blood pressure and atherosclerosis or hardening of arteries.

Healthy levels of cholesterol: Brown rice is a healthy option for maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol attributing to the presence of naturally occurring oils. An investigative study has revealed that brown rice possess hypocholesterolemic qualities and regulates cholesterol catabolism. It contains beneficial nutrients that help in lipid and glucose metabolism. Another study conducted has revealed that consumption of brown rice has shown significant improvement in the serum and HDL cholesterol concentrations in the subjects with chronic ethanol abuse. It has also suggested germinated brown rice extract helps in preventing the rise in the liver triglycerides due to excessive alcohol intake attributing to the presence of gamma-aminobutyric acid.

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 brown 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 rice. These phenolic components are valuable in the inhibiting the proliferation of colon and breast cancer cells. Another study has revealed the stimulatory effect of germinated brown rice on the induction of apoptosis and its inhibitory effects on the production of leukemia cancer cells. Furthermore, researches have validated the antitumor effects of dietary brown rice brans.

Anti-depressant properties: Germinated brown rice possesses anti-depressant qualities and helps in combating anxiety related disorders. An investigative study has suggested that germinated brown rice contains essential amino acids such as glutamine, glycerin and GABA. These inhibitory neurotransmitters facilitate reduction in the allowance of messages associated with anxiety, depression and stress in the brain resulting in a relaxed state of well-being.

Insomnia: Brown rice helpful in the treatment of insomnia. Brown rice is a natural source of sleep hormone melatonin. It enhances the quality of sleep by relaxing the nerves and increasing the sleep cycle.

Strong immunity system: Brown rice is loaded with significant quantities of vitamins, minerals and essential phenolic components which help boost the immune system of the body. It nourishes the body, accelerates healing and enhances its ability to fight infections.