Is Rice Healthy?
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Dr. Axe here and today I am answering the question, “Is rice healthy” and explaining the difference between white rice and brown rice.
My answer is that it really depends on you. I will show you the pros and cons of rice and go over what I believe is the healthiest rice today. There is a debate today about if you should consume rice or not:
⁃ The paleo diet community says to stay grain free and therefore that rice is not healthy
⁃ Chinese medicine followers and vegans think rice can be an incredible superfood
I believe there is validity to both but it depends on the person and on the preparation of the rice.
Rice to stay away from: Refined White Rice- (this is not jasmine or basmati rice but the sticky white rice from fast food or Chinese restaurants.)
Rice Cons:
• Fiber, minerals and vitamins have been removed.
• Study shows that people are twice as likely to develop diabetes as opposed to those eating whole grain brown rice.
• Contains phytic acid (enzyme inhibitor) which keeps you from absorbing and digesting vitamins and minerals.
• Contains proteins that are difficult to digest
Rice Pros:
• Whole grain brown rice is high in B3 which is good for heart health.
• Whole grain brown rice is high in selenium which supports the thyroid and kidneys.
• Certain types of rice contain GABA, a neurotransmitter, that can support the brain and helps reduce anxiety as well as support metabolism.
So….is rice healthy? Is brown rice healthy? It depends on how it is prepared. I believe that
if rice is soaked and sprouted then it unlocks the vitamins and minerals versus most rices that aren’t sprouted.
I personally consume an organic rice from the company, True Roots. It is a germinated brown rice (soaked and sprouted) which kills off phytic acid and is easier to digest.
In Chinese medicine, look up “qi” or “chi.” They believe that short grain brown rice increase your body’s “qi” which is your body’s life source and energy. It is considered to be one of the #1 healing foods and I suggest to my patients to make a “congee” with chicken bone broth, brown rice and vegetables such as carrots, and celery. This chicken vegetable rice soup is healing and nourishing to the body.
In conclusion, is rice healthy? Yes, it can be if you are doing sprouted rice that is traditionally prepared.
Simply, stay away from white refined rice that is void of vitamins and minerals and can cause a spike in your blood sugar and insulin levels.
