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Is Brown Rice Bad For You?


Grade

A


Short answer

Brown rice is a very heart-healthy whole grain that is loaded with essential nutrients.

Grade

A

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

Rice is an important staple in many cuisines. Indeed, in many languages what is translated as “to eat” in English often is really “to eat rice.” Brown rice is named due to its brownish appearance. The process by which brown rice is made involves removing only the outermost layer of the rice kernel. This does the least damage to the nutritional value of the rice and is the reason brown rice is an extremely good choice for those who are health-conscious and prefer a whole grain over a refined grain.

Important nutrients included in brown rice include manganese, selenium, phosphorous, copper, vitamin B3 and various phytonutrients. Manganese, of which 88% of the recommended daily intake is present in brown rice, is a powerful antioxidant that is helpful in energy production. Selenium, an essential nutrient in many metabolic functions, works to keep thyroid hormones in balance and may also be a key factor in preventing cancer.

Other benefits of eating brown rice include weight loss, prevention of cardiovascular diseases, and as a way of treating conditions such as diarrhea and other stomach problems. Brown rice may also be used to treat ailments such as jaundice, beriberi, intestinal worms, and even paralysis, but evidence of these claims is less conclusive.

If you are allergic to rice or anything the rice may have come into contact with, you will, of course, want to avoid eating it. However, all told, brown rice is one of the healthiest foods you can have as part of your diet.


Ingredients to be aware of

  • arsenic (very low levels)
  • mold (when old)


Benefits

  • aids weight loss
  • fights stomach problems
  • boosts energy
  • helps prevent cancer
  • helps balance metabolic functions
  • reduces inflammation
  • reduces fever
  • treats paralysis
  • promotes healthy skin

Healthier alternatives

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

Lundberg Rice Cakes

  • USDA Organic Certified
  • Gluten-Free
  • Whole Grain Goodness
  • Non-GMO Verified
  • Vegan & Kosher
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023




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