The benefits of rice, that’s why include it in your diet

Rice is the most consumed cereal in the world and is believed to be the first one cultivated by humans. It is primarily widespread among Eastern populations, including largely China and Japan. But it is also highly appreciated in Italy, where over 50 varieties are cultivated.

The benefits of adding this precious food to your diet are numerous. Rice is a light food, an excellent source of protein, and it is gluten-free. The vitamins and minerals contained in 100 grams of rice can satisfy and recharge you with a truly moderate calorie intake.

Let’s now take a look at the details of the benefits of rice on our body.

It aids intestinal flora and detoxifies. Being rich in fiber, it has a diuretic effect on the body and is a food particularly recommended for those suffering from kidney diseases. This is especially true for whole-grain rice.

It prevents cardiovascular diseases. Thanks to a natural compound, it helps control high blood pressure and, therefore, helps reduce the risk of heart disease.

It is a source of plant-based protein. Rice proteins are of higher quality than those of other cereals like wheat or corn.

It’s perfect for weight loss diets. Its calorie intake is really low, especially compared to pasta (we explain this further in the next section). Moreover, it acts as an astringent, giving you a feeling of fullness with smaller portions compared to other foods.

It is gluten-free. Therefore, it’s perfect for people with celiac disease, also due to its considerable protein content.

It is a powerful antioxidant. Thanks to the presence of lysine, a potent essential amino acid, it helps protect you from aging and counteracts degenerative diseases.

It is rich in potassium and low in sodium. Among the many minerals it contains, potassium stands out, providing energy to the body and promoting metabolism. Also, compared to wheat or other cereals, it contains a lower amount of sodium.

It is highly digestible. The starch in rice has the ability to absorb digestive juices and the air that forms in the stomach.

It makes skin more elastic. Thanks to the high presence of essential fatty acids that act directly on the skin.

The difference with pasta

In the list of benefits just presented, we highlighted the high starch content in rice. The absorptive power of starch not only works inside our bodies but also during cooking. While boiling, rice absorbs much of the water it is immersed in, thus tripling its weight. Therefore, compared to pasta, which only doubles its weight during cooking, rice is more satiating while maintaining the same energy and caloric intake.

Whole-grain rice

In a previous article, we discussed the difference between whole foods and refined foods. We highlighted how foods that do not undergo refining processes retain a higher percentage of dietary fiber. In whole-grain rice, this means a higher percentage of B vitamins, B3 and B6, as well as minerals such as phosphorus, zinc, selenium, potassium, and magnesium.

If you want to buy riceor whole-grain rice, it’s just a click away to add them to your cart and have them delivered wherever you are in Europe.