FOOD / HEALTH SPECIAL ...................THE RICE DILEMMA

THE RICE DILEMMA

Is the grain good to eat or not? Here’s the lowdown

A LL OVER Asia, rice is a staple grain. But in the last few years, its effect on weight and health has been questioned. But are these effects simply the result of eating rice, or are there other factors to consider?

BENEFITS OF NATURAL RICE

Natural rice is not the sparkly white we’re used to, but it’s light brown in colour. This outer coating of the grain is what makes rice healthy. It contains important nutrients.

RICE FIBRE:

 The natural fibre of rice cleanses the intestine of toxic components, and soothes the intestinal lining. This helps reduce the risk of cancers, as cancer cells are more likely to proliferate in an acidic and inflamed intestine.

B VITAMINS:

Good for the nerves and helps prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

SELENIUM:

This mineral in whole grain rice helps maintain fertility.

IRON:

Whole rice is a good source of iron.

RICE IN AYURVEDA

Rice is a cooling food for the stomach and intestine, and highly recommended for conditions described as ‘pitta’ (hot) in ayurveda. These conditions are: inflamed stomach lining, gastrointestinal ulcers, gall bladder or kidney stones, amoebiasis (a type of gastroenteritis) and liver disorders. Here are some recommendations for common complaints:

 LOOSE MOTIONS AND STOMACH INFECTIONS:

Rice water with a pinch of salt.

AMOEBIASIS:

Rice and mung khichri with turmeric (turmeric is anti-inflammatory).

LIVER DISORDERS:

Rice khichri, rice water, rice idli and rice with vegetables.

WEIGHT AND WATCH

In the last few years, it has been suggested that eating rice leads to weight gain. But in reality, most rice-eating nations do not suffer from weight or blood-pressure issues. Here are some ways to eat rice while keeping the kilos in check:

1. Do not combine rice and dairy. For example, avoid curdrice and kheer. Dairy is more responsible for weight gain than rice.

2. If you eat rice, keep your wheat intake to the minimum. Avoid bread and cookies.

3. Avoid eating fried rice and rice with deep-fried foods.

4 Have your rice at lunch if you want to work it off.

5. Washing rice to remove starch also removes vitamins, but if you must eat rice with dal or chicken, remove the starch.

If you want to sleep better, have rice for dinner

• SHIKHA SHARMA HTBR 8MAR15