The “Eighth Wonder of the World “ is the 2,000-year-old Banaue Rice Terraces carved into the mountains of the Philippines. Rice is an edible seed -- a grain grown in a wet and unique environment – flourishing where no other grain species could survive.
The majority of humanity has long been fed primarily on rice. Rice is easy to digest and has for centuries been known to relieve irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal conditions. The seed prevents chronic constipation and the husk helps to treat dysentery. Rice also helps in the prevention of gallstones.
The Great Wall of China is held together with rice, and rice is being used today to manufacture stronger, more fire-resistant building materials such as insulation, paneling, bricks, concrete, and more.
With all that rice has to offer, rice has come under much scrutiny. This is due in part to the polishing and refining of rice. Refined rice is white rice – rice that has been stripped of its outer layer, inherent savoriness, and vital nutrients. Brown rice is the whole grain with the outermost layer in tact.
There are thousands of types of rice grown throughout the world, and most varieties are completely different in taste, shape, color, aroma, and texture. For the sake of simplicity, when talking of brown rice here – I refer to any rice that has not had the outermost layer removed. Brown rice as nature originally intended – is chock full of nutrition with vitamins, minerals, and deliciousness.
Nutritional Value of Brown Rice
Vitamin B1 and B6, Vitamin E, Manganese, Iron, Selenium, Thiamin, Niacin, Zinc, and protein are a few of the important nutrients derived from brown rice. It also has potassium; which helps to reduce toxins in the body. Rice is a natural anti-inflammatory food with a fat content primarily of omega-6 fatty acids.
The nutrient value of rice depends on the variety, agriculture environment, processing, and cooking method. One study reports ancient black rice, aka “forbidden rice", to be as high in antioxidants as blackberries and wild blueberries. Ferulic acid is a strong antioxidant found in rice bran. The bran is also a good source of lignans.
Health conscientious people, who are allergic to gluten or wheat, find rice (non-GMO and grown in an uncontaminated environment) to be a beneficial alternative resource for carbohydrates and energy.
10 Health Benefits of Rice:
- Provides Fast and Usable Energy
- Boosts the Immune System
- Adds to a Healthier Nervous System
- Gives Essentials for a Healthier Heart
- Promotes Colon Health
- Aids in Brain Function
- Decreases Blood Cholesterol Levels
- Contributes to Vitamin and Mineral Intake
- Helps Weight Loss Efforts
- Anti-aging Properties
A Beauty Enhancer
Powdered rice is commonplace in curing skin ailments and is an additive in some cosmetics. Rice milk as a beauty enhancer is centuries old. It is not only the consensus of Ayurvedic Practitioners but Integrative and Holistic Dermatologists as well.
6 Beauty Benefits of Rice:
- Naturally Tones Skin
- Promotes Cell Growth
- Stimulates Blood Flow
- Heals Acne
- Tightens Pores
- Keeps Skin Smooth
Brown Rice Increases Happiness
In many cultures, rice symbolizes life and – hence the tradition of throwing rice at weddings. Rice has is used in papermaking, soap making, and in speeding up the process of ripening fruit. As a desiccant, it dries flowers, prevents rust on tools – and here is one useful tip – mix a few rice grains into a saltshaker to prevent salt clogging up the holes of the lid.
Brown rice satisfies hunger and also triggers the production of serotonin in the brain. Essentially eating rice can give rise to a cheerier disposition.
Enjoy the satisfaction of happiness on your face or in your bowl.