From The Straits Times    |

Rice often gets a bad rap for being a fattening carbohydrate but this easily digestible, gluten-free grain has tons of health benefits. It can even be a good choice when you’re trying to lose weight, provided you choose the right kind.

Health advocates like to recommend brown rice to those who are looking to shed some kilos, but this extra chewy variation may not be too everyone’s liking. Fret not, a new Japanese brand says it has found a way around this problem.

“Kinmemai Better White rice has a new way of polishing rice which retained most of its nutrients, like vitamin Bs and fiber, yet giving the same taste and mouth feel as white rice. This is a useful healthier alternative for families who have yet tried or not willing to try brown rice,” says Bibi Chia, Principal Dietitian of the Diabetes & Endocrine Centre at Raffles Hospital.

See also: 7 best carbs to eat for healthy weight loss

“Their rice also swells up 20 per cent more, so people are in fact eating 20 per cent less. It can be beneficial for those who are trying to cut down rice or carbohydrate intake for reasons such as to lose weight or for better control of diabetes,” she adds.

Here are some other benefits of rice that have made it an enduring staple in our Asian diets:

 

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1. Great source of energy

Since rice is abundant in carbohydrates, it acts as a fuel for the body and aids in the normal functioning of the brain. Carbohydrates are essential to be metabolised by the body and turned into functional, usable energy.

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2. Cholesterol free

Eating rice is extremely beneficial for your health, simply because it does not contain harmful fats, cholesterol or sodium. It forms an integral part of a balanced diet. Any food that can provide nutrients without having any negative impacts on health is a bonus!

See also: Replace these 10 foods in your cupboard for faster weight loss

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3. Blood pressure management

Rice is low in sodium, so it is considered one of the best foods for those suffering from high blood pressure and hypertension. Sodium can cause veins and srteries to constrict, contributing to heart conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.

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4. Cancer Prevention

Rice is rich in insoluble fiber that can protect against many types of cancer. many scientists and researchers believe that such insoluble fibers are vital for protecting the body against development and metastasis of cancerous cells.

See also: Losing weight for your wedding? Burn fat faster with these 8 surprising foods!

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5. Diuretic and Digestive Qualities

 Chinese people believe that rice considerably increases appetite, cures stomach ailments and reduces digestive problems. As a duretic, rice husk can help you lose excess water weight, eliminate toxins from the body and even lose weight, since approximately 4 percent of urine is actually made up of body fat.

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6. Skin Care

Medical experts say that powdered rice can be applied topically to cure certain skin ailments. In India, rice water is readily prescribed by Ayurveda practitioners as an effective ointment to relieve skin irritation or redness.

See also: Not losing weight in time for your wedding? This could be why

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7. Resistant Starch:

Rice is full of resistant starch, which reaches the bowels in an undigested form. This type of starch stimulates the growth of useful bacteria that help with normal bowel movements. It’s also very useful in reducing the effects of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea.

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8. Rich in Vitamins

Rice is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, which provide the foundation for body metabolism, immune system health and general functioning of the organ systems, since vitamins are commonly consumed in the most essential activities by the body.

See also: Lose weight with these 6 spices

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9. Alzheimer’s Disease

Rice is said to contain high levels of nutrients that stimulate the growth and activity of neurotransmitters, subsequently helping to prevent Alzheimer’s disease to a considerable extent.

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10. Cardiovascular Health

Rice is known to have antioxidant properties that promote cardiovascular strength by reducing cholesterol levels in the body. Low levels of fat, cholesterol and sodium will also help reduce obesity and the health conditions associated with being overweight.

 

See also: Surefire weight loss hacks backed by science

This article originally appeared on The Women’s Weekly Singapore.