Rice is an integral part of the diet of those who are following a healthy lifestyle. It contains complex carbohydrates, fibers and minerals which are so important for the human body. There are several varieties of rice which depend on its properties. For example, brown rice is much richer with useful minerals than the white one.
Health Benefits of Rice
Rice is distinguished by the high content of complex carbohydrates which are filling the body with energy and are actively ‘feeding’ the muscle mass. Speaking the language of figures – rice consists of carbohydrates by 78%.
Eating complex carbohydrates in a sufficient quantity helps to reduce the consumption of fats and sugar, without prejudice to the organism and energy losses.
Looking from another side, rice doesn’t contain vitamins A and C. However, their lack can be successfully compensated by the high content of vitamins of B group such as vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin) and vitamin B6. These elements have a positive effect on the nervous system and take an essential part in the process of transformation of nutrients into energy.
Rice is also rich with proteins (about 8%). Proteins are essential in the process of regeneration of cells and other important life cycles.
All in all, rice grains contain eight amino acids, ensuring normal vital activity to the human body. And last but not the least, rice is also gluten free.
Rice can safely be included in the menu of people taking care of their body weight, as well as patients with the diseases of cardiovascular and kidneys diseases or problems. Rice doesn’t contain salt and is rich with potassium, which «disarms» salt eaten with other foods.
In addition, rice also contains many useful elements such as phosphorus, iron, zinc, iodine and calcium. Fiber content in rice is small (only 3-4,5%), this disadvantage is easily compensated by including of fresh or steamed vegetables in your daily meal.