7 Reasons Why Brown Rice Are Good For Health

Rice is a staple food widely consumed in the form of various dishes, desserts, and snacks in India and other Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, etc.

It is a good source of energy because of the high level of carbohydrates in it. However, in recent years it is getting bed rep for the same carbohydrates, and dietitians across the world are advising people to cut rice from the food plate.

However, one can safely consume brown rice while still keeping carbohydrate levels in check. These days even dietitians are advising their clients to replace white rice with brown rice instead of eliminating rice from the diet.

# Protection From Free Radical Damage

Antioxidants like “Superoxide dismutase” and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols etc in the brown rice protect our cells and tissues from the oxidative damage caused by the free radicals, and thus reduces the risk of various cancers.

It also provides several other benefits like improved cardiovascular system, stronger immune system, improved respiratory health, reduced risk of neurodegenerative disease,s and so on.Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that form in our body during the oxidation process. External factors like pollution and harmful UV rays of the sun also contribute to this.

# Manages Cholesterol Level

Brown rice is beneficial for managing cholesterol level as reduces the level of bad LDL cholesterol and increases the level of good HDL cholesterol.

Dietary fibers in brown rice reduce the level of bad LDL cholesterol and thus minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries and is mainly caused by the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the inner lining of the arterial walls, and is a leading cause of various cardiovascular problems.The naturally occurring oils in the brown rice also play a significant role in keeping cholesterol levels under control.

# Regulates Blood Sugar Level

In comparison to white rice, brown rice has a low glycemic index. Because of its comparatively low glycemic index, it releases sugar into the bloodstream at a slow pace, prevents a sudden spike in the blood sugar level, and, thus helps in managing diabetes.

Additionally, the dietary fibers in the brown rice slow down the rate at which sugar is absorbed by the bloodstream and thus regulates blood sugar levels.

Consume brown rice in moderation as excess intake may drop the blood sugar levels to an abnormally low level and thereby increasing the risk of hypoglycemia with symptoms such as shakiness, dizziness, hunger, sweating, irritability, and rapid heartbeat, etc.

# Improves Cardiovascular Health

Brown rice is good for our heart and improves our cardiovascular system due to the abundance of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fibers, etc.

Antioxidants and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols etc in the brown rice protect our cardiovascular system from the oxidative damage caused by the free radicals in our body. Dietary fibers in brown rice reduce LDL cholesterol in the body and thus reduces the risk of atherosclerosis which is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems.

# Protection Against Various Cancer(S)

Antioxidants and other relevant compounds in the brown rice combats against the free radicals in our body, stabilizes them, and prevents them from causing oxidative damage to our cells and tissues, and thus reduces the risk of various cancers like abdominal cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, intestinal cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia, etc.

The phenolic compounds like ferulic acid, tricin, and caffeic acid in the brown rice inhibit the uncontrolled growth of the breast and colon cancer cells and are also known for their antitumor properties.

# Helps In Enjoying A Sound Sleep

We spend about one-third of our life sleeping, and the importance of quality sleep can’t be neglected as it is the during sleep our brain and body performs many important functions like the removal of toxins and other harmful substances, repair and regeneration of cells and tissues, regulation of hormones, sorting, and storage of information by the brain and so on.

Quality of sleep is more important than quantity of sleep because if you are not getting proper physical and mental rest even after hours of sleeping then it is not of much use.Lack of quality sleep may slowly deteriorate our health with an increased risk of several health problems like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, hypertension, and poor immunity.

# Protection Against Neurodegenerative Diseases

The gamma-aminobutyric acid present in the germinated brown rice keeps our neurological system healthy and thus reduces the risk of various neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.It inhibits the growth of protylendopetidase, an enzyme responsible for the increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.