Rice is an important part of every Indian’s diet. There are various types of Indian rice that are healthy and nutritious. Rice, in one form or another, is one of the most important staple foods in the world and has been for possibly thousands of years. There are at least a dozen different types of rice to choose from at the grocery store; Which one is best? Below are the types of rice and their benefits:
BROWN RICE
Brown rice is better for you than white and most of us know that! The majority of consumers typically choose white rice over brown rice because of the difference of appearance. While it’s true white rice looks so much more delicious than brown rice, it doesn’t mean it’s the healthier alternative.
Benefits:
- Brown rice is high in fibre and on top of the list for foods that can help prevent colon cancer.
- Brown rice is considered a whole grain since it hasn’t lost its “wholeness” through the refinement process. Wholes grains are proven to reduce the buildup of arterial plaque and reduce the risk of heart disease and high cholesterol.
- Brown rice helps stabilize blood sugar levels; therefore, it’s an excellent food choice for those suffering from diabetes.
- Brown rice is rich in selenium which reduces the risk for developing common illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and arthritis.
BASMATI RICE
Since centuries basmati rice forms an essential component of the Indian diet. It symbolizes fertility, wealth and good health according to Hindu customs. It is in fact a staple food of India, with most Indian homes serving the same every day. It is said to be the very foundation of nourishment.
Benefits:
- It is considered healthier as there are more vitamins and fibre present in the outer bran layer. Basmati rice contains about 20% more fibre than other types of rice.
- Basmati rice has a “medium” glycemic index, which is lower than other varieties of rice and thus better suited for those who suffer from diabetes.
- The benefits of basmati rice are many, and they increase even more when you eat the rice in its natural unprocessed form as brown basmati rice.
SPROUTED RICE
To make sprouted rice, companies kickstart the process of germinating the grain. The process encourages the rice to start growing into a plant which increases its nutritional value.
Benefits:
- With germination, vitamin E, lysine and magnesium, along with vitamins B6 and B12, are increased substantially.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels are increased ten-fold during the germination process of rice.
- This rice has positive implications for those suffering from nervous disorders such as depression, insomnia and anxiety, as well as seizures.
WILD RICE
Looks like rice and grows like rice but, botanically speaking, wild rice is not rice at all. Native to North America, wild rice is a seed of an aquatic grass traditionally harvested via canoe by indigenous populations. Much of the modern wild rice on store shelves has been tamed, cultivated in man-made paddies. You can still find some organic, hand-harvested, lake-grown wild rice in certain speciality stores. Wild rice delivers an impressive range of nutrients: phosphorus, immune- and testosterone-boosting zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins, including the cancer-protective folate.
Benefits:
- Wild rice contains a good balance or proteins, carbohydrates and fibre. A serving of wild rice provides 6.5 g protein and 35 g carbohydrates, while providing 3 g fibre.
- Wild rice represents a good source of some vitamins and minerals. A 1-cup serving yields 134 mg phosphorus, 166 mg potassium and 52 mg magnesium.
- Like many grains, wild rice is low in calories, fat and sodium.
- It also contains beneficial amounts of heart-healthy linolenic acid.
RED RICE
Not many are fond of red rice. However, if you want to stay healthy and fit, red rice is your answer.
Benefits:
- Consuming this Indian rice helps to keep your iron count normal.
- It also regulates blood sugar and insulin.
- Red rice contains vitamin B6, which is important to balance the formation of serotonin and red blood cells.