Many dieticians and nutritionists ask us to switch over to brown rice from white rice. Why is that so? If you thought that brown rice was only good for weight loss, then think again. Unprocessed brown rice has many more health benefits that you may not be aware of.  It can help with hypertension, cholesterol, depression, diabetes and even certain neuro degenerative diseases. It contains various nutrients that can also help to keep the bones healthy and maintain a strong immune system.

Brown rice is healthier primarily because it is unpolished. White rice undergoes a lot of processing to make it appear bright and shiny, but as a result all the necessary nutrients are lost. Brown rice retains all its natural elements and is rich in bran and fibers. And these properties also ensure that brown rice is much healthier than regular rice.

Here are some more astonishing health benefits of brown rice.

1. Controls Obesity

This is one of the primary reasons that most people switch to brown rice. It is has a low glycemic index which controls blood sugar and surge in insulin which helps stabilize the internal systems. Brown rice also contains the fibers that are required by the body to lose weight and maintain lean muscle. The manganese in brown rice synthesizes body fats and raises the amount of good cholesterol in the body and overall has a strong anti-obesity effect. As brown rice is a complex carbohydrate, it releases sugar slower than normal rice which is effective during a weight loss diet. Brown rice is also ideal for diabetics as it keeps the sugar levels balanced while providing the body with essential minerals, fibers and vitamins on a daily basis.

2. Boosts Digestive Health

Fibers are an essential component of a balanced diet required to maintain healthy digestive processes and proper bowel movement. Eating brown rice as a staple meal can help regulate the digestion and can also create a felling of fullness which keeps you from overeating. The bran content in the brown rice keeps the bowels running smoothly and prevents any problems with the intestine such as indigestion, flatulence or gas build up. It can also provide relief from constipation and colitis.

3. Heart Health

Brown rice contains an element called selenium which is required to maintain good cardiovascular health. Eating brown rice regularly can prevent plaque build up which can clog the arteries and lead to problems like stroke or heart attacks. It also reduces the risk of other diseases such as hypertension and arthrosclerosis. The husk around the brown rice contains beneficial tissues which work to maintain a balance in the endocrine system.

4. Boosts Brain And Nervous System Functions

Brown rice contains vitamin B and manganese, both of which are very beneficial for the metabolism in the brain. It balances the amount of calcium in the body and can regulate the functions of the nervous system and also maintains muscle tone. Through the balance in calcium levels, brown rice prevents sudden surges in neuron activity and keeps the body and mind calm, relaxed and peaceful. Brown rice also contains vitamin E which prevents oxidative stress in the brain which can lead to many other neurodegenerative diseases.

5. Cancer Treatment

Colon cancer, breast cancer and even leukemia can be prevented by the regular consumption of brown rice. Since it is rich in fibers and antioxidants, brown rice inhibits the cancer cells from developing and spreading through the body. The fibers in the rice bind themselves to the cancer causing elements in the body which prevents them from sticking to the walls of the colon and are passed through the system without harm. It also inhibits the production of cancer cells which lead to leukemia and can prevent tumor development due to its high bran content.

If that didn’t convince you, we don’t know what can. These are plenty of reasons to switch to brown rice today to ensure lifelong good health for your entire family. So, are you going to make the switch?

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