Here's why switching to parboiled rice is a healthy idea!

You will never think the same way about parboiled rice once you read this.

Do you not love some rice with chicken curry? You try to satisfy your taste buds with just a few spoons of the staple because you are on a weight loss diet. While you eliminate white rice from your diet, you can always opt for parboiled rice. It is an unhulled type of rice which means that you get to chew on the bran and germ of the rice and reap all the benefits. Unlike white rice, it is soaked steamed and dried before the removal of the hull. Well-known nutritionist, Priya Kathpal tells you why you should consider eating parboiled rice.

High in antioxidants

Parboiled rice comes loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients. It has a high content of anthocyanins which has been linked to reducing inflammation and preventing cancer.

Rich in minerals

Only one cup of parboiled rice can provide you with 2 to 3 percent of daily recommended intake of calcium, potassium, iron and manganese. Being rich in manganese it helps lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks. It will also up your intake of zinc that will help give your immune system a boost.

Rich in vitamins

If you want to increase your vitamin intake and find it difficult to digest brown rice, parboiled rice could just be ideal for you. Parboiled rice has double the amount of vitamins as compared to white rice. It is especially rich in niacin, riboflavin and vitamin B6, nutrients which your body needs to metabolise food into energy.

Ideal for diabetics

It has a low glycemic index and thus makes an incredibly desirable option for diabetics and those on a sugar-controlled diet. Eating rice cooked in this unusual way can help you lose weight.

Easy to digest

Parboiled rice helps in the smooth running of the digestive system and restores bowel function too. It also helps deal with common digestive complaints like diarrhoea and constipation.

Also, while you may believe that carbohydrates are an absolute no-no, you often forget that your bodies need carbohydrates to think clearly, function well, be energetic and stay fit. And if you are worried about the calorie content of rice, here's the calorie count of rice and how often should you eat rice.

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