11 delicious reasons to eat rice and 4 reasons to avoid it

Rice: The Grain That’s So Boring, It Makes People Fall Asleep

What do you call a rice that’s been hit by lightning? A puffed grain!

Rice is the most important grain crop in the world, grown in over 100 countries and eaten by over half of the world’s population. It is a staple food in many Asian countries, and is also popular in other parts of the world, such as Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East.

Rice is a good source of carbohydrates, which are the body’s main source of energy. It is also a good source of fiber, which can help regulate digestion and prevent constipation. Rice is a low-fat food, making it a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight or control their cholesterol levels.

There are many different types of rice, each with its own unique flavor and cooking properties. Some of the most common types of rice include white rice, brown rice, and basmati rice. White rice is the most processed type of rice, and has a mild flavor and soft texture. Brown rice is less processed than white rice, and has a nutty flavor and chewier texture. Basmati rice is a long-grain rice that is native to India and Pakistan. It has a light, fluffy texture and a delicate aroma.

Rice can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, steaming, and frying. It can be eaten plain or cooked in a variety of dishes, such as rice pilaf, fried rice, and sushi.

Rice is a versatile and nutritious food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a good choice for people who are looking for a healthy and affordable way to add carbohydrates to their diet.

Benefits of eating rice

1. Increases energy levels.

2. Free of cholesterol.

3. Less sodium content and hence maintains blood pressure levels.

4. Brown rice aids in cancer prevention.

5. Relieves a number of skin ailments.

6. Fights Alzheimer`s disease.

7. Have diuretic and digestive properties.

8. Rice is a rich source of vitamins.

9. Improves cardio vascular disease.

10. Stimulates the growth of useful bacteria.

11. Fights chronic constipation. Source: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/cereal/health-benefits-of-rice.html

Drug interactions of rice

1. Pre- germinated brown rice found to have protective effects against lead induced memory deficits. Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20138853

2. Rice bran can interact with oral medications taken by mouth. Source: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-852-rice%20bran.aspx?activeingredientid=852&activeingredientname=rice%20bran

3. White rice can up regulate the expression of certain gene in type 2 diabetes than brown rice causing, faster drug metabolism, less drug efficacy and more toxicity. Source: http://www.researchgate.net/publication/228595460_Effects_of_Brown_Rice_and_White_Rice_on_Expression_of_Xenobiotic_Metabolism_Genes_in_Type_2_Diabetic_Rats

4. Fiber in brown rice can interact with digoxin. Source: http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/foods-delay-drug-absorption-11719.html

5. Brown rice can interact with levodopa. Source: http://apjcn.nhri.org.tw/server/info/articles/nutrients/drugs.htm

6. Rice bran oil can interact with anti- hyperglycemics, anti- coagulants, cholesterol lowering drugs, CNS suppressants, Thyroid drugs and various hormones. Source: http://www.livingnaturally.com/ns/DisplayMonograph.asp?StoreID=E32FA6C399AB4C99897032581851D45D&DocID=basic-interactions-gammaoryzanol

7. Phytates in rice can inhibit iron absorption. Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2401279

Health conditions to avoid rice

1. People with CKD must avoid brown rice, for its potassium content. Source: http://www.renalnetwork.on.ca/hcpinfo/independent_dialysis/nutrition_fact_sheets/potassium/#.VAJSscV20ro

2. People with irritable bowel syndrome must avoid brown rice. Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/495474-ibs-bloating-after-eating-rice/

3. White rice must be avoided by people with arthritis. Source: http://myhealingkitchen.com/medical-conditions/arthritis/arthritis-make-it-worse/10-foods-that-make-arthritis-worse/

4. Rice must be limited/ avoided by obese people. Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1200726

Photo by Trista Chen: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cooked-rice-on-black-ceramic-plate-723198/

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