Rice isn’t just a staple food for ninety percent of the world’s population, but this staple is the life of so many dishes. Whether you serve it on the side or make a whole dish out of it, rice will elevate each dish beautifully and deliciously.
Though this staple food is so popular, few people know much about it. While you may only be aware of the two most common types: brown and white, the list doesn’t end here. Do you know there are more than 2000 varieties? YES! Impressive right?
There are so many other varieties that people worldwide use, and these types are enriched with so many health benefits. If you are a rice lover who wants to learn and try out different kinds, then you have landed on the right page.
Below you will find the types of rice and the fantastic benefits they provide.
Types of Rice and the Benefits They Provide
With the food and farming industry flourishing, today’s world has access to many great staples. From the juiciness of white rice to the richness of brown ones, there is so much of every kind cultivated worldwide.
The article below holds many different types of rice that are popularly used worldwide and the benefits they have.
White Rice
Though on the top of the list, white one actually provides minor nutrients. It’s used in most households around the world and is the type that is popularly known.
When the husk, bran, and germ from the seed are removed, the white rice is obtained. However, with these essentials removed, the nutritional value decreases as well.
This results in lower fibers, some vitamins, antioxidants, and even protein! All this then makes white one less filling than its other counterparts. However, while its nutritional value is low, there should be benefits that make it so popular worldwide, right?
Well, read about them below.
Benefits of White Rice
There are many benefits that white rice offers. Some of its popular benefits are:
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Quick Source of Energy
With the germ and bran removed, the white rice is easier for the body to break down quicker than other types. Hence, it makes a great nutritious meal for people who need instant energy.
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Easier Digestion
The lack of germ and bran makes it an instant source of energy and is excellent for people with certain digestive conditions. This is because white rice is comparatively easy and lighter to digest than other types.
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Longer Shelf Life
The best part about white rice is its long shelf life. This is one of the main reasons so many people opt for it when grocery shopping.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is similar to its white counterpart; however, its outer layers make it different. Only the hull is removed in the brown rice grain while the bran and germ are still intact.
Therefore, the presence of bran and germ makes this very nutritious and filled with so many benefits.
Benefits of Brown Rice
The use of brown rice is very beneficial for human health and is an excellent addition to your diet. Here are some of its amazing benefits:
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Reduces the risk of diabetes
Brown rice is excellent for people with diabetes because it has a lot of GI index. This helps the blood sugar levels in your body to remain stable.
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Keeps your Heart Healthy
Brown rice is rich in fiber which ultimately helps your heart stay healthy.
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Helps to Control Weight
Brown Rice is a great way to reduce weight. Studies have proven that adding this staple food to your everyday diet will help reduce your weight and maintain an ideal body mass index (BMI).
Red Rice
You must have realized that the majority of the rice is named after its color. Red also has a unique color. The color is because of an anthocyanin content which gives it a beautiful color and makes it a rich antioxidant.
It’s available in both hulled and un-hulled forms. While a little expensive, this form of rice is still very beneficial:
Benefits of Red Rice
This holds excellent nutritious properties, and hence making it your everyday staple will bring many benefits to you:
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Fights Asthma
Red rice is rich in magnesium, and hence it helps stabilize and maintain breathing patterns. Besides providing oxygenation, it is also great for keeping adequate circulation.
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Great for Bone Health
The magnesium in red rice, when combined with the calcium component of it, becomes a great source to keep your bones healthy. Hence, those with bone issues or joint conditions should incorporate it into their everyday lives.
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Improves Your Skin
If you are someone who wants natural ingredients or methods to achieve radiant and fresh skin, then this is your holy grail. This staple food has strong antioxidant properties, which help improve the skin damage caused by UV rays and slow premature aging.
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Wild Rice
This type is named as such because they are derived from the seeds of an aquatic plant. However, their edible qualities and high nutritious value make them a great staple to incorporate into your diet.
This particular rice not only contains three times more fiber than any other of its counterparts but holds many other benefits.
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Weight Loss
An excellent staple for obese or those looking to reduce weight because it reduces hunger like every other grain; however, the best part is that it is low in calories.
So, a hearty meal will fill your stomach but won’t let that needle go up.
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Diabetes
Wild rice is rich in ALA and hence controls blood sugar levels. Researchers have concluded that the ALA component helps reduce the chances of diabetic nerve damage and increases insulin production in the body.
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Maintains Heart Health
Wild rice, like all other grains, is rich in fibers. The richness of fibers and their properties of lowering lipid levels make it beneficial for keeping your heart healthy.
Black Rice
While named after its color, black rice differs from brown and white. The black rice has a nuttier and earthy flavor and takes longer to cook than regular rice.
However, it still has so many beneficial qualities to it.
Benefits of Black Rice
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Good source of nutrients
Black rice is an excellent source of many nutrients including magnesium, calcium, fibers, and some other beneficial products.
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May Have Anti-Cancer Properties
There are speculations that black rice probably can reduce the risk of cancer. This is because it was observed that people who consumed foods rich in anthocyanin, which is a primary component of black rice, showed lower risks of colorectal cancer.
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Supports Eye Health
Black rice is an excellent source for improving eye health. So, those with eye disorders or weak eyesight should try it in their diet if they have access to it.
Conclusion
Rice is a great staple and loved by everyone. We hope this article intrigued you to try out these different types and avail their benefits.
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