In Italy it is abundant, to the point that it is cultivated well 140 different varieties. Versatile ingredientperfect as the protagonist of traditional dishes, such as risotto or rice salador as an accompaniment to other dishes of oriental origin, rice has also been defined as a «functional food”, that is, a food with an edge when it comes to health.
Rice and longevity: the benefits of this cereal
Rice is a cereal with numerous and incredible health benefits. Being studied by numerous researches, it is among the main ingredientsfor example, of the diet observed by the centenarians from the Blue Zone of Okinawa, the archipelago south of Japan, near the island of Taiwan. Here, its inhabitants consume rice, fresh fish, lots of fruit and vegetables and legumes daily, drinking green tea.
«Rice is an excellent ingredient, it is certainly good for your health, although I always suggest do not undertake do-it-yourself diets or diets inspired by current fashion – explains the dietician Julian Ubetius –, as even the best food can have harmful effects, if its consumption it is not moderate and thoughtful based on the patient’s needs.
I always recommend del brown rice or of wholemeal basmatior even of black or red rice. These types of rice they facilitate blood sugar control, slow gastric emptying and help control cholesterol. The White rice normal is good, but it is a source of starch and sugars and has low satiating potential. Of course, you need to be careful when consuming it, especially if you have problems with it constipationas It has an astringent function.
Top view of three bowls containing rice varieties (basmati, brown and black)Basic Photography
In general, if desired, rice can be eaten every day: I repeat, better wholemeal, because it has a satiating power that is double that of the white one, and is more digestible.”
But what are the benefits of rice, in general, also corroborated by scientific studies? Let’s look at them in depth and closely.
It can help you maintain a healthy weight
Brown rice contains fiber and proteinboth known for have a satiating effect and which contribute to a lower glycemic index than that of white rice. This means that the carbohydrates provided by a serving of brown rice are converted into energy more consistently. For this reason, opting for brown rice over white rice helps reduce fasting blood sugar and insulin levelspreventing cravings and easing the weight management aspect.
