Rice is an essential part of many people’s diet. You can find rice in virtually any culture, and it is consumed by billions of individuals every day.
Rice has been cultivated for thousands of years, and there are many different varieties to choose from. But how good is rice really? Are the benefits worth the potential drawbacks?
Read on to learn more about the 10 advantages and disadvantages that come with eating rice!
Advantages of Eating Rice
There are many benefits that are associated with eating rice. Here are some of those-
1. Great Source of Energy
Rice is a great source of energy. It can be consumed as a carbohydrate for this purpose, but it also contains protein and healthy fats to give you long-lasting fuel throughout the day.
Many studies have demonstrated that rice consumption is associated with increased satiety. This means that people are able to stay full longer when they eat things like sushi, brown rice, or white rice. In fact, according to Helpful Chef, it is actually the rice and not the fish that is the defining element of sushi.
This can be helpful for weight loss, as you won’t be feeling hungry after an hour you ate something, says DJ Parkins of iReviewTools.
2. Natural Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Rice contains natural anti-inflammatory properties. This means that it can reduce inflammation throughout the body, which is often associated with chronic diseases like heart disease and arthritis. That’s why most delivery services like IdealNutritionNow offer a range of meals that include rice.
According to one study published by Current Science, rice bran contained “phenolic acids” as well as phytochemicals known to have anti-inflammatory effects on cells in the body.
This means that rice can help reduce inflammation, which has been proven to be a key factor in many chronic diseases!
3. Rice Prevents Constipation
Rice is packed with fiber, which makes it a great way to promote good digestive health.
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Center (NDDIC), fiber helps reduce constipation by making waste food softer and easier to pass through your intestines. This means that you’ll be less likely to experience painful bowel movements or to have difficulty passing waste.
This is especially important for people who are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other conditions that cause constipation, as it could help them reduce the painful symptoms of their condition.
4. Rice Reduces Risk of Cancer
Rice contains protective antioxidants that have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer.
According to a study published by Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, foods with antioxidant activity have also been associated with reduced risks for breast cancer and prostate cancer in women and men respectively.
This means that eating rice could help you prevent different types of cancer, which is something that no one wants to deal with!
5. Rice Prevents Obesity and Diabetes
Rice can also help prevent obesity and diabetes.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition discovered that people who ate brown rice were less likely to develop type-two diabetes than those who did not eat it. This is because they found a significant association between eating long-grain brown rice and a reduced risk for developing this chronic disease.
Another study published in the Journal of Nutrition discovered that rice consumption was associated with lower body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference than other types of foods. The researchers concluded that this could be because “brown rice is low-glycemic, high fiber, nutrient-dense food”.
6. Positive Effect on Blood Pressure
Eating rice has also been shown to have a positive effect on blood pressure.
According to the American Heart Association, eating foods that are high in fiber can help reduce your risk for hypertension or high blood pressure because it helps smooth out fluctuations in your blood sugar levels throughout the day. This could be helpful for people who suffer from diabetes as well.
Rice is also low in sodium, which can help you reduce your risk for high blood pressure. This makes it the perfect food to eat if you suffer from this condition!
7. Good for Your Skin
Rice can also help improve your skin’s health.
According to a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science, eating rice could contribute to healthier-looking, younger-looking skin because it is packed with antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin E and selenium that are important for healthy cell function. This makes it great for fighting signs of aging, which is something that many people are concerned about.
8. Rice Improves Nervous System Health
Eating rice can also improve nervous system health.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition discovered that eating brown rice was associated with “protective associations” between consumption and peripheral neuropathy, which is a common complication for people who suffer from diabetes or cancer treatment. This means that eating this grain could be helpful for preventing the neurological symptoms of these conditions.
Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition found that eating rice could help lower levels of homocysteine, a toxin known to cause damage to the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve cells. This means that it can also help reduce your risk for neurological problems like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease as well!
Rice is, also, an excellent survival food – visit Bugout Bill for more information on bunker food.
Disadvantages of Eating Rice
While rice can be beneficial in many ways, there are also some disadvantages associated with eating rice. These include-
1. Rice Contains Gluten
Rice contains gluten, which means that it is not suitable for people who have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
This also makes rice unsuitable for people with wheat allergies because this protein can cause severe reactions in their bodies if they eat it.
2. High Levels of Arsenic
Rice contains high levels of arsenic
According to a study from Consumer Reports, rice is the food that has been most commonly found in tests for arsenic contamination over time. This toxic substance can cause skin problems like dermatitis as well as problems with your nervous system and lungs if you eat too much of it for a long period of time!
3. May Increase Risk of Metabolic Syndrome
Eating rice may increase your risk of metabolic syndrome.
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, eating rice can cause problems like increased insulin resistance or high blood pressure that are linked to this condition. This means that it could also contribute to an increased risk for diabetes as well if you are taking too much rice for long period!
You should incorporate more brown rice into your diet if you want to reap the health benefits that it has instead of going with white rice.
Conclusion
Rice is a carbohydrate that many people enjoy because it can be used in so many different types of recipes. However, if you want to reap the health benefits that rice has without suffering from any potential disadvantages, then brown rice may be a better choice for you than white rice!