NUTRIENTS IN RICE
Surprised to learn that wholegrain rice is a good source of protein? The proteins in wholegrain mesh with those in beans and other plants to form complete proteins. Your body can’t store protein, so you need to eat some everyday.
FIBER
Dietary fiber helps you feel full faster and longer; it also aids digestion and helps prevent constipation. Fiber comes only from plant foods (fruits, vegetables, beans, wholegrain rice), and wholegrain fiber is thought to protect against digestive cancers more than other forms of fiber.
IRON
Iron helps our bodies make hemoglobin (for red blood cells) and myoglobin (for muscles), both of which help carry and store oxygen. Iron also plays a role in many other routine bodily functions.
MAGNESIUM
An essential mineral required for hundreds of biochemical reactions, including transmission of nerve impulses, converting food into energy, body temperature regulation and maintaining a strong immune system. Magnesium also helps us absorb calcium, for healthy bones and teeth.
PHOSPHORUS
Another essential mineral, phosphorus is present in every cell in your body, making up 1% of your body weight. Its main function is the formation of bones and teeth, but it’s also key to the synthesis of protein for cell repair, growth, and maintenance; for heartbeat regularity; and nerve conduction.
ZINC
The mineral zinc helps your immune system fight off bacteria and viruses, and helps wounds heal. It also helps your body make proteins and DNA. Zinc is also essential to proper functioning of your sense of taste and smell.
COPPER
Copper (another mineral) helps us absorb iron, and also helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate. Copper is also needed for the production of melanin, which colors our hair and skin.
MANGANESE
The mineral manganese helps us handle oxidative stress. It activates many important enzymes in the body that are crucial to metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and cholesterol. Manganese is also essential to the formation of healthy cartilage and bone.
SELENIUM
Selenium is a trace mineral. Although we only need small amounts of it, it’s essential to helping prevent cellular damage from free radicals, to regulate thyroid function, and for a healthy immune system.
B VITAMINS
The many B vitamins help with metabolism, the process your body uses to make energy from the food you eat. While each has its own functions, in general they also help maintain healthy skin, hair and muscles; form red blood cells; and promote healthy immune and nervous system function. Some research shows that B vitamins also prevent mood swings.
THIAMIN
Also known as vitamin B1, thiamin is essential for metabolism and the function of the heart, muscles, and nervous system.
NIACIN
Also known as vitamin B3, niacin in rice is mostly in the form of nicotinic acid. Soaking rice in water before cooking may increase its absorption
PHYTIC ACID
An antioxidant found in brown rice, phytic acid (phytate) impairs the absorption of dietary minerals, such as iron and zinc. It can be reduced by soaking, sprouting, and fermenting the rice before cooking
LIGNANS
Found in rice bran, lignans are converted to enterolactone by gut bacteria. Enterolactone is an isoflavone (phytoestrogen) that may have several health benefits
FERULIC ACID
A strong antioxidant found in rice bran. May protect against various chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease
2–ACETYL 1–PYRROLINE (2AP)
An aromatic substance, responsible for the taste and smell of scented rice, such as jasmine rice
GAMMA ORYZANOL
a mixture of antioxidant compounds. Apparently acting on the brain’s control of digestion, and possibly through a direct effect on the stomach, gamma-oryzanol may help to ease heartburn and other digestive-system discomforts. Ulcer sufferers have taken it with some success. Gamma-oryzanol may also relieve pain, nausea, vomiting, and other post-meal gastrointestinal symptoms in study participants suffering from gastritis (stomach inflammation). Japanese scientists conducting various trials have discovered that gamma-oryzanol may ease hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause, and may even help to lower cholesterol. In addition, antioxidant properties in the extract may protect heart vessels from free-radical damage.
Γ– AMINOBUTYRIC ACID (GABA)
It helps “turn-off” a busy mind at night to prevent insomnia and restlessness, and it helps the mind concentrate during situations that are otherwise difficult to concentrate in. It also puts a halt to over-excitement in the brain during situations that can make a person nervous, scared, excited or overwhelmed. In addition to cognitive-related benefit. GABA is also known to play an active role in toning the body’s muscles. The chemical works to prevent muscle spasm, which can put undue strain on the muscles in the body and face. Some people use GABA as a natural anti-aging supplement in hopes that the chemical will reduce unnecessary strain on the muscles in the face, and consequently slow down the development of wrinkles and sagging skin.
