|
|
|
|
|
 Rice is a well-known grain around the world, and most people know that eating rice is healthy. Here you can learn more about the benefits of eating rice, the nutritional value of rice, its role in Thai food, and more interesting information about both brown and white rice.
Why People Eat Rice
In Thailand rice has been the main part of our meals since the olden days. Not only as part of a main dish, but also as essential food for children and a main ingredient in Thai desserts. A delicious example is krayasart, for which rice, roasted sesame seeds and peanuts are boiled with sugar and coconut milk on low heat until all the ingredients blend. And this is not just a tasty dessert, but also high in protein and very nutritious.
Good Source of Energy: Rice contains large amounts of high-value carbohydrates which the body needs for fuel every day. It is recommended that over half the calories we consume should come from complex carbohydrates. So rice is our answer. The American Dietetic Association writes that "Rice is a good choice for a healthy diet. It is a good source of complex carbohydrates and can help you achieve a reduced fat diet."
Good Source of Protein: Rice also contains the highest quality proteins. All eight essential amino acids - these are the building blocks necessary for building strong muscles - are found in the grain.
Good Source of Essential Nutrients: Rice is also a good source of other essential nutrients like thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, phosphorus, iron, and potassium. But we can also benefit from what rice does not contain. It has no fat, no cholesterol and no sodium. This along with it being non-allergenic and gluten free, makes rice especially well-suited for people with special dietary needs.
Which is Better, Brown or White Rice? Both brown and white rice are nutritious. While brown rice provides more fiber, Vitamin E, phosphorus, and calcium than white rice, white rice actually contains more thiamin and iron than brown rice. Rice is easily prepared and suitable for many ethnic dishes. In fact, it can be part of virtually any meal, any recipe, soups, salads, main courses, and desserts. It is no wonder rice is the world's favorite grain.
|
|
|