Calorie content and beneficial properties of brown rice for the human body

For most residents of Russia, rice is associated with the white oblong grains that we see on store shelves. In fact, the variety of its types is like a color palette. A special place in this diversity is occupied by brown, also known as brown, unpolished rice. Taking into account its beneficial and dietary properties, availability and taste, such rice will be the best option for the daily diet and therapeutic nutrition.

In the article we will tell you what kind of rice it is and what its differences are, its chemical composition, benefits and harms, how to choose, prepare and store it correctly, recipes based on it and contraindications.

Brown rice: what is it?

This is whole grain rice with the inedible hull removed, but with a layer of bran and germ retained. Externally it has a rough surface and an unusual dark color. The grains themselves under the shell are light. The cereal does not undergo processing or purification, so it retains the mineral and vitamin complex given by nature. Due to the lack of the usual polishing process, brown rice is also called unpolished or unpolished.

In terms of taste, it is a little coarser in comparison with white, which is explained by the high content of plant fiber. It has a specific taste and requires more time to prepare - 20-40 minutes.But in the process of heat treatment, due to the preservation of the pityriasis shell, useful and nutrients are not lost, but are preserved in the structure of the grain.

Peculiarities

The advantages of such rice include the preservation in factory conditions of the peel and germ layer, which contain up to 10% protein, 85% oil, 70% mineral salts and cellulose, 80% vitamin B1. In other words, compared to white rice, brown rice is healthier for the body.

It is recommended to be used as an essential component of the daily, dietary and therapeutic diet.

Kinds

Such rice is distinguished by the shape and length of the grain: short or round (no more than 5 mm long), medium (5-6 mm), long grain (more than 6 mm).

Chemical composition, trace elements, vitamins

To understand what benefits of brown rice, Let's look at its composition. It contains a high concentration of carbohydrates: starch, sucrose, sugars, dextrins; amino acids and fatty acids, water, ash, and dietary fiber are also present.

Cereals include almost all B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, choline, pyridoxine, folate, pantothenic acid), vitamin E and K, and nicotinic acid. Microelements include calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, selenium, copper, zinc.

KBZHU

Dry brown rice is characterized by high energy value (367 kcal per 100 g), high carbohydrate content (72.7 g), relative poverty of protein (7.2 g) and fat (3.2 g).

During heat treatment, the nutritional value and calorie content of boiled rice is reduced almost three times and is:

• calorie content - 123 kcal;
• proteins - 2.7 g;
• fats - 1 g;
• carbohydrates - 24 g.

How suitable for weight loss

Brown rice is considered a healthy and proper nutrition product; it is ideal for correcting and controlling body weight. You can lose weight by cleansing the body of waste and toxins, removing excess fluid from the body, due to which swelling subsides and centimeters go away.

Grains serve as a natural source of complex carbohydrates such as starch and fiber, which the body expends energy to digest. “Proper” carbohydrates are slowly absorbed by the body over a long period of time and give you strength for a long time.

Fiber in the stomach swells, therefore, a person is able to get enough of a small portion and not experience hunger or the need for snacks for a long time. Pectin fibers help lower blood sugar levels, regulate cholesterol levels, and improve intestinal microflora.

There are many diet regimens based on brown rice. Depending on gastronomic preferences, desired results and finances, everyone will choose the best option. Some people prefer a quick but tough way to get rid of extra pounds in the form of fasting days or a strict mono-diet. For others, less hungry diets are a better choice.

According to reviews from those who used unrefined rice for weight loss, the majority are pleased with the result. Among the most common negative aspects are dizziness and nausea, which is often associated with hunger, constipation during a mono-diet and other difficulties in the digestive tract.

For reference. The maximum recorded weight loss results are 10 kg per week, but in most cases the result is lower - 3-7 kg, depending on the diet option and its duration.

Before starting any diet, if you have diabetes, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or other organs, consult your doctor.

Beneficial properties for the human body

The rich composition of unpolished rice becomes an assistant in the treatment and prevention of a wide range of diseases and improves well-being. The cereal serves as a source of vitamins E, K, group B, and mineral salts, which give beauty and longevity.

Scientists have found that people whose diet includes 5-6 rice-based dishes are less likely to experience obesity, skin diseases, and are 20% less at risk of heart pathologies.

Rice serves as a good prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system:

• normalizes blood circulation processes;
• reduces cholesterol levels in the blood;
• participates in hematopoiesis;
• increases the strength and elasticity of vascular walls, reduces their permeability.

Consuming brown rice in moderation helps control blood sugar levels, thereby reducing the likelihood of diabetes.

Brown rice is a natural enterosorbent, which cleanses the liver, kidneys and blood of toxic substances, removes undigested foods and toxins from the intestines. The high potassium content of grains helps remove excess fluid from the body. This property helps people prone to edema, hypertension, coronary heart failure, and impaired renal excretory function.

Its absorbent qualities are beneficial in the treatment of diseases of the skeletal system. The active components of the cereal promote the dissolution and removal of salts, which improves the prognosis of arthritis, arthrosis, osteochondrosis, and prevents relapses and complications.

The protein contained in unrefined cereals serves as the main material for the construction of cells, tissues, organs, the formation of enzymes and hormones, and plays an important role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and mineral salts.

Regular consumption of such rice has a beneficial effect on the condition and functionality of the digestive organs. Cereal improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizes metabolism, activates lipolysis (the process of fat breakdown), fills the body with energy, and enhances intestinal motility. This product is extremely useful for diarrhea and obesity.

Due to its ability to reduce acidity and coat damaged mucous membranes, rice is recommended for consumption by people suffering from gastrointestinal diseases of an erosive and ulcerative nature.

B vitamins are beneficial for the nervous system: they relieve irritability, reduce the effects of stress, relieve insomnia, stimulate thinking processes, improve memory and concentration.

What is brown rice used for?

Brown rice is widely used in cooking for preparing first, second and sweet dishes. They simply replace regular rice. It is used to prepare pilaf, side dishes, casseroles, puddings, and pie filling.

Unrefined rice cereal is prescribed as a therapeutic food for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, heart and blood vessels, for the prevention of diabetes, kidney failure, and hypertension. A decoction or infusion of rice is used as a medicine, which is highly valued for its mild enveloping effect on the digestive organs and its absorbent qualities.

Brown Rice Recipes

The variety of options for dishes based on brown rice is amazing.With their help, you can not only lose weight, but also improve the health of the entire body, improve the functionality of internal organs and systems. Below we will tell you how to cook brown rice with vegetables, rice soup and meatballs.

Rice soup

You will need:

• water – 1.2-1.5 l;
• brown rice – 50 g;
• celery – 300 g;
• bell pepper – 1 pc.;
• tomatoes – 2 pcs. medium size;
• Chinese cabbage – 200 g;
• garlic – 1 clove;
• onion – 1 pc.;
• vegetable oil to a minimum;
• parsley, herbs to taste.

How to cook:

1. Rinse the rice until the water is clear, soak in cold water for 6-8 hours, preferably overnight. In the morning, drain the water and rinse well again with running water.
2. Pour cold water into the pan, add the cereal, cook after boiling over medium heat for 20-25 minutes.
3. Fry finely chopped garlic in a small amount of vegetable oil, after 2-3 minutes add chopped celery and onion. Fry with garlic.
4. Pour boiling water over the tomatoes, remove the skins and chop finely.
5. Chop the cabbage, chop the bell pepper into small pieces.
6. Add frying and vegetables to the pan with rice. After the water boils, cook all the ingredients together for 5-10 minutes.
7. At the end, add salt to taste, add herbs and, if desired, chili pepper rings.

Lenten rice meatballs

Ingredients:

• minced beef or chicken – 0.5 kg;
• brown rice – 200 g;
• onions – 1 pc.;
• carrots – 1 pc.;
• eggs – 2 pcs.;
• tomato juice – 250 ml;
• olive oil – 2 tbsp.

How to cook diet meatballs with rice:

1. Rinse the rice until the water is clear, and steam with boiling water for 20-30 minutes.
2. Add finely chopped onion, coarsely grated carrots, eggs, salt and pepper to taste, rice to the minced meat. Mix everything well.
3. With wet hands, form into medium-sized balls. Fry in a small amount of vegetable oil until golden brown.
4. Adjust tomato juice to taste by adding salt, suneli hops and other spices.
5. Place the meatballs in a saucepan and pour in tomato juice. Simmer over low heat, covered, for 25-35 minutes.
6. Serve with a side dish or as a separate dish.

Rice with vegetables

You will need:

• brown brown rice – 1 cup;
• bell pepper – 2 pcs.;
• carrots – 1 pc.;
• tomatoes – 2 pcs.;
• garlic – 2 cloves;
• green onions to taste;
• vegetable oil;
• soy sauce.

Recipe:

1. Boil brown rice until tender, soaking it overnight.
2. Pour boiling water over the tomatoes, remove the skins and cut into small cubes.
3. In a small amount of vegetable oil, fry finely chopped garlic, pepper strips and shredded carrots. At the end of cooking, add tomatoes and herbs. Cook all vegetables together for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. In a separate container, mix boiled rice and vegetables. Season with soy sauce if desired.

How to cook properly

Cooking brown rice involves pre-soaking the grain so that the grain is completely cooked.

One of the simple options is this. Rinse the rice until the water is clear and soak in cold water overnight. In the morning, drain the water and rinse the cereal again. Then boil for 10 minutes, rinse with cold water. After this, pour cold water over the cereal and cook over low heat for 25-40 minutes. Check the readiness of the grain by taste.

Using a colander, strain the liquid, season the finished porridge with lemon juice, natural vegetable oil, and soy sauce if desired.

Rice according to this recipe turns out tasty, has a pleasant nutty aroma, cooks evenly and retains its crispness.

Rules for selection and storage

When buying cereal, pay attention to the expiration date. The average shelf life of such rice is 12 months. With longer storage, there is a possibility that the rice oil contained in the outer shell of the grain will go rancid, and the grain will develop an unpleasant specific odor. It will become unfit for consumption.

If the manufacturer specifies shelf life more than 12 months, most likely, the grains were additionally subjected to chemical treatment, which increases their storage time, but reduces their beneficial properties. Try to take premium quality grains from a well-known, trusted manufacturer. To evaluate the appearance and quality of grain, determine the absence of foreign impurities and cereal bugs, choose rice in transparent packaging.

To preserve the smell and taste, after opening the package, pour the cereal into a clean glass, ceramic or plastic container with a lid. Store it in the pantry or kitchen cabinet, next to other grains.

It is undesirable for spices, seasonings, and other products with a pronounced odor to be nearby, since rice grains absorb foreign odors well.

Advice. To avoid the appearance of insect pests in the cereal, place your choice of bay leaf, dry capsicum, dried lemon or orange zest, and mint sprigs in a container with rice.

The optimal storage temperature for rice is 5-15°C, the humidity level is not higher than 75%.

High temperatures, excessive humidity, and direct sunlight expose grains to irreversible changes. - oxidation of the oils contained in the pityriasis membrane, after which the use of such a product may threaten health. Also, high temperatures create favorable conditions for the formation of mold and the appearance of cereal bugs.

Dry rice can be stored in the refrigerator and freezer. The cereal must first be poured into plastic bags or special plastic containers with a tight-fitting lid.

Cooked rice can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 72 hours, in the freezer for up to three months.

What can you replace brown rice with?

Brown rice can be replaced with red or black rice. They have similar properties and a pityriasis-like shell. The downside is their high cost.

Then white parboiled rice is recommended as an alternative. Positive characteristics of grain are achieved through technological processing, which consists of steaming whole grains without removing the outer shell. Under the pressure of the hot season, useful substances pass directly into the grain itself.

Rice can be replaced with any cereal - buckwheat, pearl barley, millet, oats, rye, wheat, corn grits. All of them are rich in complex carbohydrates, but the mineral and vitamin complex is different, so they are not considered completely interchangeable.

Possible harm and contraindications

With frequent consumption of large portions of cereal, there is a high likelihood of constipation, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, and bloating.

Eating large portions of cereal impairs the absorption of potassium, calcium and magnesium, which adversely affects the state of the cardiovascular system and can disrupt the functionality of the heart muscle and endocrine glands, leading to a decrease in the strength of bone tissue.

For reference. A mono-diet based on brown rice may be accompanied by dizziness, headache, nausea, and hunger.

An absolute contraindication for eating rice is: allergy to the product. Cereal-based dishes are excluded for people suffering from constipation, arterial hypotension, and severe heart and vascular diseases.

It is necessary to consume cereals with caution if there are large stones in the urinary system. A pronounced diuretic effect can provoke the movement of stones, which causes pain and can lead to disruption of urodynamics, complete or partial blockage of the urinary tract with subsequent kidney damage.

Conclusion

The benefits of brown rice can hardly be overestimated. It serves as a source of complex carbohydrates, to some extent satisfies the body's needs for calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, helps remove waste, toxins and even salts from the body, normalizes metabolism, and fights diseases of the heart, blood vessels, liver, and kidneys.

Brown rice is ideal for weight loss. It satisfies hunger for a long time, is easy to prepare, and is included in many options for first, second and sweet courses.