Why is Brown Rice a Healthier Choice?

Brown Rice is Nutritionally Superior to White Rice

White rice is brown rice that has been refined. This means that white rice has been stripped of its fibre, proteins, thiamine, calcium, magnesium and potassium during the milling process. So simply put, the white rice that we have been eating is just a refined starch that is largely bereft of its original nutrients.

Brown rice, on the other hand, is a wholegrain. Only the hull layer is removed during the polishing process, leaving the nutritious bran layer and embryo still intact within the grain. Therefore, brown rice is nutritionally superior to white rice.

brown rice
White rice
Germinated rice

Brown Rice is a Good Source of Manganese and Selenium

Brown rice is good source of trace minerals such as manganese and selenium. Manganese is an important element used in energy production and is also necessary in maintaining a healthy nervous and reproductive system. Selenium is an essential component of several major metabolic pathways, including thyroid hormone metabolism, antioxidant defense systems, and immune function.

Brown Rice Promotes Weight Management

Because of its high fiber content and its ability to keep healthy bowel function, brown rice “keeps things moving” in a way that promotes weight control and metabolic functions. As it creates bulk to the diet, it promotes the feeling of fullness and helps reduce the risk of overeating. Brown rice is also a type of slow-release sugar, which helps keep blood sugar stabilized as it releases sugars slowly and in a sustained fashion. This makes it a better option for diabetics, as compared to white rice.

Brown Rice is Tasty

Because of its high fiber content and its ability to keep healthy bowel function, brown rice “keeps things moving” in a way that promotes weight control and metabolic functions. As it creates bulk to the diet, it promotes the feeling of fullness and helps reduce the risk of overeating. Brown rice is also a type of slow-release sugar, which helps keep blood sugar stabilized as it releases sugars slowly and in a sustained fashion. This makes it a better option for diabetics, as compared to white rice.

Do check out our recipes section to find out how to cook tasty and healthy brown rice dishes or check out our Rainbow rice section to experience the goodness of brown rice today!

 

References
1. “Brown rice”. WHFoods. Retrieved 2013-07-18.
2. “Brown Rice Paradise”. Health Promotion Board. Retrieved 2013-07-18.

 

DISCLAIMER: Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor. Highlanders International Pte Ltd does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. We design and recommend nutritional supplements that allow the body to rebuild and promote healing. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Highlanders International Pte Ltd are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition, please seek professional medical advice.