Health Benefits Of Brown Rice
We recently met a Malaysian Tamilian here in KL. We learnt that she was born and brought up in Malaysia. She used to speak to my Kid and one day during their conversation, my kid couldn't understand some of the Tamil words she spoke. I was able to understand what she meant but we don’t use such pure Tamil words in our daily use.
She realized this and told me that only her grandmother lived in India and she & her mom were brought up here only. She was very proud that, though they were living outside India for 3 generations they didn't forget the Indian culture, Food Habits and Tradition.
She also raised a question which I would never ever forget in my life. She sarcastically asked who has changed; Its you or us?? Yes. Its definitely us.. We have moved out of our tradition. Our Grandparents, used to consume only Millets and they used to have Rice, only on special occasions. That too they were using only Hand Pound Rice (Kai Kuthal Arisi or Brown Rice). Passion for white slowly moved us away from Brown Rice to White Rice.
I would like to reiterate the importance of Brown Rice.
- Rice has three layers surrounding it; Husk, Bran and Germ. Brown Rice is prepared just by removing the Husk whereas White Rice is prepared by removing Husk, Bran and Germ leaving only the rice.
- Both White Rice and Brown Rice gives same calories, Proteins and Carbohydrates. But both differ with respect to Fiber, Vitamins and Minerals contents.
- . Though some Vitamins can be added back to White Rice, It really lacks Magnesium, Sodium and Potassium contents. Fiber and the most important chemical element missing is Manganese. 1 cup of Brown Rice provides almost 80% of our daily requirement.
- Research shows those who consume Brown Rice reduce their risks of developing Diabetes by 60% than that of people who consume White Rice. It slowly releases sugar into Blood and hence controls Diabetes.
Let me share my experience of how to Cook Brown Rice??
Normally Brown Rice needs more time to cook. So, for cooking rice in the morning for packing lunch to my kid and husband, I used to soak the rice in enough water and keep in fridge the previous night itself. It needs 4 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. While cooking the rice, I will cook the rice in high flame for 1 whistle. After 1 whistle, will reduce the flame and cook it for 15 more minutes.
Brown Rice is a little bit chewy.
For the first try, I would recommend you to have rice hot and with any Kuzhambu or Sambar. And from my personal experience, Brown Rice doesn't taste good for Variety Rice.
Since Rice has become the elixir of our life nowadays, why don't we give a try to healthy and nutritious Brown Rice!!?
