The natural form of rice without refining or polishing is known as brown rice. It is brown in color due to which it is called 'Brown Rice'. Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice and is also slightly different in taste. Also, it contains more nutrients than white rice, as it does not undergo any processing. Paddy peels are removed from it. By eating brown rice, the body gets sufficient calories. It is also a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

In brown rice, minerals like protein, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus are present in sufficient quantities. These are not only beneficial for health, but also beneficial for skin and hair.

Benefits of brown rice

Controls cholesterol-

To control the amount of cholesterol in the body, it is advisable to eat whole grains like brown rice. It contains some amount of fiber. Fiber helps digest food slowly, which reduces appetite and helps cholesterol dissolve slowly in the blood. Also, LDL helps to reduce cholesterol i.e. bad cholesterol levels.

Beneficial in diabetes-

According to scientific research, brown rice can help control type 2 diabetes. It contains a good amount of fiber, protein, phytochemicals and minerals. Brown rice has a lower glycemic index than white rice, which lowers blood sugar levels in the body. Therefore, the consumption of brown rice may prove beneficial for diabetic patients.

Effective in weight management-

Talking about the benefits of eating brown rice, it contains fiber, which can help control weight. Fiber is digested slowly, due to which you feel less hungry and you eat less. By doing this, your body also reduces the amount of calories and fat.

Anticancer properties-

Brown rice can help prevent cancer. According to research, sprouted brown rice contains gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps prevent leukemia (blood cancer) cells.

Beneficial for bones-

Magnesium is a very beneficial mineral for keeping bones healthy and it is found in plenty in brown rice. It helps to increase bone mineral density.

Beneficial for the nervous system-

If the nervous system does not function properly, problems such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and migraine can occur. Magnesium is necessary to overcome these diseases which are found in sufficient amounts in brown rice.

Increase immunity-

The benefits of eating brown rice also include the ability to improve immunity. It contains Vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant. This improves immunity.

Benefits of Brown Rice for Asthma-

In asthma, it is advisable to eat whole grains such as brown rice. It is rich in fiber and antioxidant elements, which are beneficial in respiratory problems.

Heals the intestines-

Consuming brown rice improves intestinal function. The bran layer and fiber present on brown rice improve digestion power.

Treats insomnia-

Brown rice contains gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which relieves stress or insomnia caused by excessive intake of caffeine.

Relieves depression-

Brown rice has antidepressant properties which help fight stress and brain-related problems. The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamine present in it are a type of amino acids that produce neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters do not let stress and grief etc. affect the mind.

Avoidance of free radicals-

The antioxidant properties present in brown rice protect cells from the negative effects of free radicals.

Beneficial for children-

Brown rice contains sufficient carbohydrates and fat for the development of children. Therefore, it is good to feed whole grains and energy-rich foods such as brown rice to growing children.

Side effects of Brown Rice-

Arsenic is found in high amount in brown rice which can result in certain side effects such as-

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Diarrhea