Health & Happiness in a Bowl of Rice

Rice is a seed obtained from the grass species Oryza sativa and is widely consumed as staple food across the world. It can be used as whole or in the form of rice flour which is made by finely milling the rice.

Though it has received a lot of flak recently by nutritionists and dieticians, it still holds a vast universe of health inside when used in the right way. Take a look at some of the reasons and we are sure you will love the bowl of rice today.

Let’s do a quick check on its nutritional facts

Rice is a good source of carbohydrates, calcium, iron, thiamin, pantothenic acid, folate, vitamin E, Selenium, and Manganese.

And here we go with a Mega List of irresistible benefits

The source of Energy: Rice contains simple carbohydrates which are quickly converted into energy by the body.  Vitamins, minerals, and various organic components enhance the functioning and metabolic activity of your organ systems, thereby increasing energy levels.

Good for heart: Rice contains low saturated fats and cholesterol thus cut the risk of arterial and heart disease.

Blood Pressure Management: It is low in sodium and so good for people suffering from high blood pressure and other heart conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

Cancer Prevention: It is rich in insoluble fibre that can protect against many types of cancer specifically beneficial in defending against colorectal and intestinal cancer.

Natural antioxidants: It contains vitamin C, vitamin A, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which act on free radicals.

Skin Care: Rice flour can be applied topically to cure certain skin ailments like inflammation, irritation, and redness.

It delays the occurrence of wrinkles and other premature signs of aging that can affect the skin.

Alzheimer’s disease: It contains high levels of nutrients that stimulate the growth and activity of neurotransmitters and neuroprotective enzymes in the brain, which inhibit the effects of free radicals and other dangerous toxins that can cause dementia.

Diuretic and Digestive
Qualities: Rice increases appetite; cures stomach ailments and reduces many digestive problems. It acts as a diuretic, to lose excess water weight, eliminate toxins from the body like uric acid, and treat dysentery.

Essential Vitamins: A good source of vitamins and minerals like niacin, vitamin D,
calcium, fibre, iron, thiamine and riboflavin which help in metabolism, immune system health, and the general functioning of the organ systems.

Prevent Chronic Constipation: The insoluble fibre acts like a soft sponge that may be pushed through the intestinal tract quickly and easily.

Making Rice Delicious

Rice can be eaten as plain boiled rice with a variety of dals, curries, and vegetables. It can even be cooked with a combination of various ingredients to make Vegetable Pulav, Veg. Biryani, Daal Khichdi, Fried Rice, Coconut Rice, Chicken Biryani, Sea Food Rice, Rice balls, Rice Kheer, etc.

Rice flour can be used to make many tasty items like Pattolio, Dosa, Bhakri (Roti), Pancakes, Modak, Patishapta, Dhokla, Halwa, etc.

Using organic rice is the most convenient way to add unaltered nutrients in the diet. Organic rice, cultivated using the organic method of cultivation, is free from artificial colours, flavours, and chemicals.

Always buy high-quality rice from authentic organic producers.

Benefits Of Brown Rice Over White Rice?

A day doesn’t pass in India without rice in at least one meal. People have always included two varieties of food in their meal: chapatti/roti and white rice. As time passed by, the good old healthier options like brown rice, millets have gained back their rightful place on our plates. And today like never before, health-nazis in India have switched to these healthier food versions. One such superfood is ‘Brown Rice.’

So, what differentiates brown rice from usual white rice? Is it the appearance? Yes, but there is more than meets the eye. To start with, it is the process of making. To make brown rice, the outer layer or the hull of the kernel is removed, retaining the nutritional value. And further milling and polishing of brown rice to remove bran and germ layers, produces white rice reducing all the vitamins and nutrients by more than half. Fully polished rice needs to be “enriched” with the lacking vitamins and minerals. A cup of organic brown rice contains 88 per cent of manganese, 27.3 per cent of selenium, 20.9 per cent of magnesium, 18.7 per cent of tryptophan and only 12 per cent calories.

Nutrients in Brown Rice

·         Manganese: Produces protein and carbohydrates which are the energy boosters and it also acts an antioxidant.

·         Fiber: Minimizes the risk of colon cancer

·         Selenium: Powerful antioxidant. Helps in the prevention of cancer, heart disease, and for decreasing the symptoms of asthma and the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis.

·         Lignans: A Phytonutrient that protects you from breast and other hormone-dependent cancers as well as heart disease.

Health Benefits of Brown Rice:

·         Promotes Weight Loss: Weight gain is inversely related to the intake of high-fiber, whole-grains. According to Harvard Medical School / Brigham and Women’s Hospital study, those consuming whole grains were 49% less likely to gain weight compared to those eating foods made from refined grains.

·         Lower Cholesterol Levels: The oil in whole brown rice lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol.

·         Cardiovascular Benefits: Consumption of brown rice at least 6 times each week is good for postmenopausal women with high cholesterol, high blood pressure or other signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

·         Lowers the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: According to survey of Harvard School of Public Health eating two or more servings of brown rice weekly seems to be associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, they report, eating five or more servings of white rice per week is associated with an increased risk.

Just not this, brown rice also reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome, reduces constipation, prevents gallstones, prevents childhood asthma and has many more benefits. India’s Leading Holistic Health Guru, Mickey Mehta too agrees with us saying, “Like wheat, brown rice is also a type of whole-grain. Organically grown wild brown rice is the best as it is packed with all the essential nutrients and vitamins.”

To pave the path of healthier India, let’s switch to Organic Brown Rice!

Why Organic Spices and Organic Rice are better for you?

Organic Food can be defined as produce derived from organic farming practices, without the use of any chemical or synthetic additives, keeping in mind the goal of sustainability, health and safety of the environment, the food and the consumers of such food. Devoid of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms, sewage sludge or radiation, antibiotics or growth hormones, Foods are definitely better food Spices and Rice, cultivated under the stringent practices that are required to be adhered to in order to be certified organic, bring tremendous health and safety benefits for you and your family. Switch to Organic Rice and Organic Spices for a better, healthier you.

1. Health benefits in abundance: 

Organic Rice is a great source of carbohydrates, the essential body and metabolic fuel. It is cholesterol free, assisting in avoiding obesity and related health conditions. Since it is low in sodium, Rice is ideal for sufferers of high blood pressure and hypertension. Organic brown rice is rich in insoluble fibre, making it vital for protecting the body from cancers, especially colorectal and intestinal cancers. Moreover, it is rich in C and A vitamins, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which stimulate antioxidants to scour and rid the body for free radicals. Rice is also an excellent source of niacin, vitamin D, calcium, iron, thiamine and riboflavin.

2. Great for skincare

Spices and Rice work as excellent home skin-care ingredients and remedies. Rice water is a popular Ayurvedic prescription for effectively cooling off inflamed skin. Organic brown rice, rich in phenolic compounds, possesses anti-inflammatory properties that work to soothe irritated skin. Organic spice powders such as turmeric is a popular ingredient in topical face-packs and masks, working as natural skin lightening and antiseptic agents.

3. Say goodbye to harmful chemicals

Conventionally grown spices and rice are treated with chemicals and synthetic additives including fertilizers, insecticides and sludge to promote faster growth. These chemicals are known to recede into the soil and are absorbed by the spice or rice plant, thus ultimately making their way onto your plate of food. Spices and Rice are grown without the use of such synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms, sewage sludge or radiation, making your food preparations safer and healthier.

4. Avoid dangerously processed foods

Spices are required to be sterilized for them to be commercially available for sale. Conventionally grown spices are typically sterilized either using fumigation or irradiation, both of which are potentially harmful when it comes to food safety. Spices, on the other hand, is sterilized using Steaming – using dry stream to destroy bacteria, thus retaining the healthy goodness and flavour of the spices.  Therefore, Spices contain no chemicals or radiation, even post-harvest and sterilization

5. GMOs are a no-no!

Spices and Rice are the way to go, if you seek safe ingredients. Opting for Rice and spices helps you avoid genetically modified additives in your food. Spices and Rice are devoid of GMOs or GMO additives, thus making them a much safer alternative to conventional foods.