Rice is an essential product in our diet. This seed, which comes from a plant called Oryza sativa, is extremely versatile and that is why we use it to make all kinds of foods with it. But, in addition to having an excellent flavor, we must be aware that it also has very good properties. It is a great source of energy as it is rich in carbohydrates and also provides us with folic acid, an essential element to strengthen our immune system.
Do you want to discover all the benefits of rice? Then continue reading because we are going to detail them below.
8 benefits of rice that you probably didn’t know about
Mellow rice with shrimps and cuttlefish, paella, rice pudding, etc. Surely if you stop to think of all the dishes that can be prepared with rice you can think of these and many more. But, do you really know all the properties and vitamins that this food has?
1. Provides vitamins and minerals
A plate of rice provides your body with folic acid, vitamin B1, B3, B5 and B6, about a quarter of what you need to consume per day.
These vitamins help your metabolism to function normally and folic acid allows your immune system to be strengthened, so all of them are essential for your body to function properly.
2. Excellent source of energy
It is a very nutritious food that is rich in carbohydrates, one of the fastest sources of energy. That is why many athletes consume it regularly as part of their diet.
3. Helps to improve digestive function
Rice is also rich in fiber, which helps our intestines to function better, thus avoiding constipation problems.
In addition to helping us eliminate toxic elements that often pass through our digestive system.
4. Provides protein and tryptophan
It is also a source of protein, providing around 8% of what we need on a daily basis.
In addition, it also incorporates tryptophan, one of the precursors of serotonin, which is the main neurotransmitter related to happiness. That is why it is a food that can help us to improve our mood.
5. Strengthens our heart
The fiber present in rice helps with the absorption of lipids, thus becoming a great ally for our heart by reducing cholesterol levels.
In addition, rice also contains potassium and a very low level of sodium, two elements that help us to regulate blood pressure. This, in turn, avoids the appearance of possible cardiac problems in the future.
6. Helps prevent the onset of cancer
Its consumption has been mainly related to the prevention of colon cancer, although it can also help in other types of cancer related to the digestive system.
This is thanks to the fiber it contains, which helps to keep the body cleaner, eliminating toxic elements that affect its functioning.
7. It is a digestive soothing
Two of the organs that benefit most from rice consumption are the stomach and the intestine. This is because the two types of starch contained in this food (digestible and resistant) act as a gastric protector in the food.
In addition, it also contains another element called mucilage that helps to repair the mucosa that has been inflamed by other foods, which is essential to avoid irritable bowel syndrome.
8. Take care of our skin
Last but not least, rice also helps us to improve the appearance of our skin. In particular, rice water protects it and prevents premature aging thanks to the vitamins it contains and its antioxidant properties.
That is why many home remedies include this element in their composition.
As you can see, rice has many benefits for our organism and, in addition, it allows us to prepare some spectacular recipes. Do not hesitate and continue to incorporate it into your diet regularly.
