The 5 Healthiest Types Of Rice
Some varieties of rice better fuel your energy needs and your health than others. Here's what you need to know about your best choices.
Let's take a look at the pros and cons of several popular types. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of several popular types.
1BROWN RICE
Varieties of brown rice such as Jasmine or Basmati still contain their germ and bran layers, meaning they provide fitness buffs with a range of important nutrients including B vitamins, bone-building phosphorus, and magnesium. Although data shows that about half of all Americans don't consume their daily quota of magnesium, this mineral is needed for proper muscle functioning. Low levels of magnesium may also contribute to or at least predict heart disease.
2.WILD RICE
You can still find some organic, hand-harvested, lake-grown wild rice in certain speciality stores. Wild rice delivers an impressive range of nutrients: phosphorus, immune- and testosterone-boosting zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins, including the cancer-protective folate.
Wild rice has a chewy texture and smoky, nutty flavor which stands up well to rich-tasting items like game meats or when used in soups and salads. The only downside is that wild rice can take up to 60 minutes to cook, so consider preparing a big batch. Or soak the grains overnight, which will slash the cooking time by about 30 percent
3SPROUTED RICE
If you want the most nutritional bang for your buck, pick up a bag of sprouted rice. To make sprouted rice, companies kickstart the process of germinating the grain. The process encourages the rice to start growing into a plant—which increases its nutritional value.
A "Journal of Functional Foods" study found that germinating brown rice caused an uptick in levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a compound which may support your mood and heart health. Sprouted foods such as rice are easier to digest and are quicker to cook since the hard outer shell is softened during the sprouting process.
4WEHANI RICE
Wehani is rich in complex, slow-digesting carbohydrates needed to fuel hard-charging muscles. While we love all protein does for a sculpted physique, it's important to remember that carbohydrates deliver most of the energy needed to sustain those high-intensity gym sessions. Think of a side dish of whole-grain rice with your meal as fuel for your engines during workouts.
But beware: Go easy on Wehani and other less-processed rice types shortly before its time to hoist that iron; the extra fiber may leave your tummy crying foul mid-workout.
5BLACK RICE
This striking variety is cultivated in China and possesses a praise-worthy sweet, nutty taste, and chewy texture. Recent research discovered that the bran layer of black rice contains a surfeit of anthocyanins. These are the same type of antioxidants, found in dark berries such as blueberries, which sweep through a body looking for cell-damaging free radicals to knock out.