The many health benefits of rice

Rice is the number one staple food in the world, supplying 20% of people’s energy needs worldwide. Practical and easy to cook, rice is used to prepare many dishes and has many health qualities. Here’s a little look at the benefits it provides.

Health benefit No. 1: rice is a good source of energy

Rice is a starchy food that provides vegetable proteins and contains complex carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are gradually released into the body and supply energy as and when needed. And rice doesn't make you put on weight!

Nutritionists recommend increasing carbohydrate intake to more than 50% of daily energy intake, which means it is recommended to eat more starchy foods (complex carbohydrates). And like all starchy foods, rice goes well with vegetables.

Health benefit No. 2: brown rice can help prevent some illnesses

Epidemiological studies suggest that eating wholegrain cereals such as brown rice could reduce the risks of cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes, obesity and even some cancers. These properties are linked to the synergy between various compounds found in wholegrain cereals, such as fibres, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Brown rice is actually wholegrain rice, the outer layer - or kernel - has not been removed optimising nutritional benefits. Inspired by the nutrients found in brown rice, manufacturers have now found new ways to conserve vitamins and minerals in white rice. All the better for our taste buds…

Health benefit No. 3: rice helps to combat bowel dysfunction

Parboiled rice, rice flour and the water from cooked rice are effective in treating mild diarrhoea. The starch they contain helps to reduce the number of bowel movements and improve stool consistency. All good to know...

Rice is however ineffective in treating infectious diarrhoea or diarrhoea affecting very young babies.

Health benefit No. 4: rice is the food of choice for gluten-intolerance

Rice is recommended to people suffering from coeliac disease, an autoimmune disease. Coeliac sufferers are intolerant to gluten (a protein found in many cereals) and eating these foods can cause significant intestinal disorders such as poor intestinal absorption leading to dietary deficiencies.

Rice does not contain gluten and so can be eaten happily by coeliac sufferers.

Get some healthy rice into your tummy with our selection of recipes:

Sweet rice recipes	Savoury rice recipes
Chocolate rice pudding	Thai coconut rice
Sticky rice	Egg fried rice
Rice pudding	Lemon rice