Rice is a very healthy and versatile food, which is why it is so widely eaten and appreciated all over the world. However, in many Asian countries, rice is considered a staple food due to its high nutritive properties. Also, rice is often lumped with other carbs such as pasta and bread, even though it is much healthier and beneficial to your health. Therefore, here are some benefits of eating rice that you should know of, especially if you want to live a healthy lifestyle.
1. It’s gluten-free
Sure, this might seem like a gimmick, considering that a gluten-free diet is more popular than ever. But, to those who have Celiac disease or gluten insensitivity, rice is a godsend since it’s gluten-free. That’s right, rice is the most popular gluten-free grain, which is why it’s a great addition to anyone’s diet, regardless of health issues.
2. May help reduce the risk of cancer
Eating rice may link to reduced risk of cancer, together with other foods high in fiber. And rice is rich in fiber, which means it also aids digestion and lowers blood pressure. And healthy digestion means a healthier body. When your digestion is in check, that also means that the waste is going to have less interaction with healthy cells in your body. Plus, rice is high in vitamins A and vitamin C, which means that it’s also packed with valuable antioxidants that fight free radicals in your body.
3. Rice is a great source of protein
Protein is important for your wellbeing, so be sure to consume enough foods that contain it in high quantities. Rice, either white or brown, is such a type of food: a quarter of a cup of dried brown rice contains about 6 grams of protein, and the same quantity of white rice has about 5 grams of protein. Therefore, if you’re looking to increase your protein consumption, make sure to find the healthiest rice that’s available, add it to your diet, and stick with it. Also, if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, eating rice is a great way to increase your protein consumption while still sticking to a plant-based diet.
4. It promotes heart health
Heart health is extremely important, therefore, you should do your best to protect it by eating a healthy diet and staying physically active. Rice is a great way to boost your heart health, due to its amazing anti-inflammatory properties that lower the depositing plaque rate inside the blood vessel walls. That also decreases the risk of difficult heart conditions such as strokes and heart attacks. In this case, brown rice is more beneficial, as it contains the husk, which is where all the nutrients are. Plus, it also has antioxidant properties that lower the bad cholesterol and help the heart health.
5. Rice can be used for beauty
Considering that rice is so nutritional, it’s also safe to say that it can be used as a powerful and healthy beauty aid. You can use powdered rice topically and boost your skin health. In case you’re struggling with weak, brittle hair, then feel free to use rice water to promote amazing hair growth and make your hair stronger. Also, if you’re skin is prone to various inflammations, you can also use rice water to cool down the inflamed skin. Phenolic compounds that are found in rice can also soothe skin redness and irritation.
Conclusion
Rice is an amazing addition to your diet, due to all of these health benefits. Therefore, if you want to feel strong and healthy in your own body, eating rice can be of great help. Just make sure to combine it with other healthy foods such as lean meats and vegetables, so your body will be able to absorb all the nutrients.
