Health Tips: 7 Benefits of White Rice

Maybe you want to lose those extra pounds. Or switch to a healthier lifestyle. Whatever the reason may be, we are sure you heard someone tell you about the ill effects of white rice and why you must keep away from it. But is that going to help? Why don’t you check for yourself? Scroll down!

White rice is nothing but milled rice with its husk, bran, and the germ removed. This process changes the flavor and appearance of the rice but extends its storage life. After milling, the rice is finally polished – and you get the seed with a bright white, shiny appearance.

Simply put, white rice is processed. All white rice starts as brown rice. But when the husk, bran, and germ are removed, the white rice that we get is devoid of the essential nutrients like fiber and other vitamins and minerals.

Does this mean white rice is completely bad? Not really. Come on, white rice is not poison. There are certain good ways in which it can help you out.

The Benefits

1. May Treat Diarrhea

White rice acts as a binding agent, making your stools more solid. Since white rice contains very less fiber, it is easy to digest. And the abundance of carbs in white rice can give you energy.

White rice also contains iron, another essential nutrient that helps treat diarrhea.

2. Offers Energy

Since white rice is made of carbohydrates. And what that means is that it is a great source of energy. We all agree that most of our daily activities require energy to execute them. Thus, rice is one good source of energy for you.

3. White Rice Is Gluten-Free

This could be a big advantage, more so for people who are gluten-intolerant. All forms of rice are gluten-free. Though some rice-based products may contain gluten, white rice, in its natural form, is free of gluten.

4. Can Help Bodybuilders

White rice can be an excellent source of carbohydrates for bodybuilders. As bodybuilders usually eat 5 to 6 small meals every day, white rice can be a good source of carbs.

White rice can also work well as a pre and post-workout snack. This is because, before a workout, the carbs can be a great energy source. And after the workout, these fast-digesting carbs drive amino acids to your muscles and help you recover fast.

5. May Result In Healthy Weight Gain

Though there is less research, as white rice contains very little fiber, it sure can contribute to weight gain. But it can work well only for those who are excessively thin. People with a healthy weight or who are overweight must limit white rice intake as it can lead to weight gain.

For more information on this, we suggest you talk to your doctor.

6. Can Help Treat Gastritis

Since white rice is a bland food, it doesn’t irritate the stomach – something that is important to treat gastritis at the earliest. But some sources recommend avoiding processed foods during this time. As white rice is processed, it is better you take your doctor’s opinion before consuming it.

7. White Rice May Help Treat A Leaky Gut

This is probably where white rice has an edge over its healthy counterpart, brown rice. White rice doesn’t contain lectins like brown rice does, which are a type of anti-nutrients that can damage the gut wall and cause leaky gut.

Another significant difference is phytates, which white rice doesn’t have. Phytates are another type of anti-nutrients with similar detrimental effects on the gut lining.

These are some ways white rice may actually help you. But more than a lifestyle food, white rice is often used as a remedy for health issues. Now that proves a point, doesn’t it?

That said, white rice is not as healthy as brown rice. The former is just high in carbs and calories. It contains very little fiber, which is one reason it can spike blood sugar levels and invite further trouble. The glycemic index of white rice is 72 – which explains a lot.

But what if you really can’t do without white rice?