Healthy Benefits Of Rice In Your Diet

Rice is best known for being an excellent source of energy – there is a reason over half the world’s population rely on it for their daily calorie intake. All varieties of rice, and particularly white rice, are rich in complex carbohydrates and low in fat, which means that the energy they provide is not only high quality but long lasting too, keeping us full and fuelled for greater periods. Wholegrain brown, red, black and wild rice also have high fibre content, which is key to ensuring a healthy digestive system. 

Those looking to lose weight should prefer wholegrain rice varieties: they have lower glycaemic indexes and their increased fibre content contributes to a greater feeling of fullness quicker.  

The benefits of eating brown rice include high levels of magnesium (good for regulating blood sugar levels), manganese (good for antioxidant function) and selenium (good for cell protection and the immune system). 

Black rice and red rice benefits include particularly strong amounts of antioxidants and anthocyanins (both of which have anti-inflammatory properties and are vital for good cell health). 

Wild rice is an excellent source of zinc (aids metabolism) and is rich in protein and amino acids (vital for muscle health), magnesium, manganese and B vitamins (good for all-round body functioning). 

In addition, all wholegrain varieties contain plenty of iron, phosphorous and potassium, which are crucial components in ensuring a healthy body. 

Given all the nutritional benefits of rice, it follows that rice in flour form would be just as advantageous to health. Indeed, like the gluten free grains themselves, rice-flour is jam packed with energy and fibre. And best of all, it’s safe for coeliacs. So why not give it a fixed place in your kitchen cupboard today? At Schär we love rice flour, which is why we use it in our best-selling bread and pastry mixes. Check out our gluten free dough recipes to get started! v