Whole Grain Rice: Why Brown Rice Is Better Than White

It's dinner time and you feel like rice. Which rice should you choose? White rice or brown rice? If you are looking for added health benefits, brown rice should be the obvious answer. If you are looking for more information on whole grain rice, you have come to the right place. Throughout this article we will discuss what whole grains are, why brown rice is better than white rice, and what other foods hold nutritious benefits for a healthy diet.

For those of you who are unaware, let's begin our discussion by defining whole grain foods. A whole grain, or a kernel, is sometimes referred to as 'the seed of life'. Why? Because whole grains are a type of seed that provide much needed nourishment for a plant. A whole grain consists of three main parts including the Bran, the Endosperm, and the Germ. The outer layer of the kernel, also known as the Bran, provides plants (and our bodies) with several nutrients including fiber, vitamin B, minerals, protein, and phytonutrients. The next, or middle, layer of the kernel is called the Endosperm. The Endosperm consists of carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamin B. Finally comes the Germ. The Germ is the smallest part of the kernel but still holds a variety of nutrients including minerals, vitamins B and E, and Phytonutrients. When these three components are left in tact, they create a whole grain which provides us with a variety of nutrients that help our bodies flourish.

So, why is brown rice a better choice than white rice? To answer this question, we need to understand how rice is made. Before rice is packaged and ready to be cooked, it undergoes a variety of processes. First, the rice seeds are processed through a rice "husker" to be milled. This removes the husks of the grain (the outer portion). After this one step is finished, you have brown rice. White rice, however, undergoes even more steps. With white rice, once the rice has been husked, the germ and bran are removed, and the grain is polished. As stated previously, the germ and bran of the grain contain a variety of nutrients. Therefore, when white rice is created, many of the nutrients and vitamins are removed from the rice. With brown rice, however, the bran and germ remain intact, keeping the nutrients and vitamins within the rice.

According to nutrition experts, both men and women are supposed to consume at least 3 servings of whole grains each day. One serving of whole wheat is equivalent to ½ cup of brown rice so, unless you are eating a lot of rice, be sure to eat other whole grain foods throughout the day. Also try to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and healthy fats. For the healthiest of all diets, avoid foods that are processed or that contain soy or sugar. Also try to avoid meats and dairy products as much as possible.

For a healthy diet, be sure to consume at least 3 servings of whole grains each day. Doing so will benefit your nutrition, as well as decrease your risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Whole grains can also benefit anyone who is looking to lose some weight. If you want to keep your diet healthy, replace your white rice with brown rice and purchase a variety of whole grain foods which you can eat throughout the day.

Healthy eating habits are very effective in improving the overall health of you and your family. Learn how to easily implement a healthier lifestyle by visiting my website at http://EverydayHealthGirl.com

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