Brown rice is an unrefined and unpolished whole grain. It is produced by removing just the outer hull of the rice kernel and therefore has the nutrient rich bran and germ in it. Brown rice is therefore considered healthier as compared to other variants of rice. Organic brown rice is fast replacing other rice variants because of the several health benefits it has. Organic brown rice health benefits include better functioning of cardiovascular system, digestive system, brain and nervous system. The fact that organic brown rice is loaded with powerful antioxidants enables the rice to provide relief from a range of ailments such as hypertension, unhealthy levels of cholesterol, stress, mental depression and skin disorders. High nutritional content in brown rice is effective for treating and preventing problems such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders and insomnia. Organic brown rice benefits can be attributed to its anti-depressant properties. The consumption of this rice helps maintain healthy bones and stronger immune system.

To get the benefits of organic brown rice, try the following healthy recipes:

• Brown rice and avocado salad: This recipe is a healthy recipe that helps to keep the immune system working properly and promotes the overall health. To make this salad, you will need ½ cup of organic brown rice, 1 tablespoon each of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, honey and pistachios, 2 tablespoons each of almonds and lemon juice, 3 spring onions, 3 zucchinis, ¼ cup of mint leaves, ½ avocado sliced, ¼ cup olive oil and 100 gm of sprouts. Cook the rice and drain and let it cool. Toast the sunflower seeds, almonds and pistachios in a dry fry-pan for 1-2 minutes over medium heat until fragrant and lightly toasted. Add to the bowl with the cooled rice. Coarsely grate 2 zucchinis and gently squeeze to remove excess water. Thinly slice remaining zucchini. Add both to the rice mixture with spring onion and sprouts. Combine the oil, lemon juice and honey, then season. Add to the salad with the avocado and half the mint, then gently toss to combine. Serve scattered with remaining mint.

• Lentil and brown rice soup: This is a very healthy soup that has several health benefits including boosting the immune system, weight loss and promoting the cardiovascular health. To make the soup, you will need 5 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, 1 ½ cups of lentils, 1 cup organic brown rice, 3 carrots, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic minced, ½ teaspoon basil, thyme and oregano, 1 tomato, ½ cup parsley, 2 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 bay leaf. Combine broth, 3 cups water, lentils, rice, tomatoes with reserved juice, carrots, onion, celery, herbs and sausage and bring to boil (do not add parsley and vinegar). Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, 45-55 minutes, or until lentils and rice are tender. Stir in parsley and vinegar and season to taste.

• Baked Brown Rice: To make this organic brown rice recipe, you will need 1 cup uncooked brown rice, 2 tablespoons of canola oil or butter, 2 ½ cups water, 2 bay leaves, 2 teaspoon seasoning, ½ teaspoon each of basil and pepper, ¼ teaspoon each of oregano, dried thyme and parsley, red pepper flakes and 2 teaspoon dried onion flakes. Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat heavy skillet until hot. Add oil and then add uncooked organic brown rice. Stir rice in oil until golden brown, stirring constantly. In the meantime, heat water and add bay leaves, bouillon cubes (chicken bouillon cubes are optional), seasoning, black pepper, minced onion flakes, parsley, oregano, basil and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. When rice is golden and ready, pour rice into a covered 2-quart casserole dish. Add the boiling liquid on top of the rice. Cover casserole with aluminium foil and the cover for the casserole dish to make sure steam does not escape from the rice. Bake for 1 hour. Serve seasoned with parsley and basil.

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