Jasmine rice has been a staple in every home in South-east Asia. The rice variant originally sprouted first in Thailand and spread across Asia like in the Philippines, Laos, Malaysia, and other Asian nations. It is quite popular because of its fragrant aroma that resembles some floral notes together with its refined texture. Jasmine rice has two varieties: brown jasmine and white jasmine rice. It goes well with so many foods and viands; stews, soups, fried meats, and seafood. Also, you can ground it to a fine powder to create sticky rice and indigenous cakes. It can be pricey compared to regular rice grains people consume.
People cook jasmine rice the traditional way, and the aromatic scent is still prominent. We typically consider the brown jasmine rice as the healthiest type. This is because the grains are still intact and the germ and bran are left pristine. This implies that the best nutritional value of brown rice is superior to the white alternative. Here are the impressive health benefits of jasmine rice:
Antioxidant.
Jasmine rice isn’t all about aromas and carbs. Health benefits of jasmine rice are truly something to behold. This rice variety has plenty of antioxidants and essential immune-boosting factors. These keep the body’s stronger resistance to sicknesses. These free radicals busting compounds fight cell mutation and destruction caused by oxidation. Jasmine contains a great level of Manganese that is known as a powerful anti-oxidative element. A healthful consumption of jasmine rice can strengthen immunity, delay the early signs of aging, and prevent chronic diseases.
Prevents cancers.
Jasmine rice belongs to the good grains family that is known to possess many health-enriching properties. Aside from the antioxidants present, jasmine has anti-cancer properties derived from its highly soluble dietary fibers that protect the cells and prevent cancer-related diseases like ovarian, colon, breast, or uterine cancer.
Jasmine rice nourishes our body’s growth and development.
Aside from eating enough vegetables and fruits, or consuming protein-rich foods like meats and dairy products, jasmine rice can also provide the needed vitamins and nutrients responsible for the body’s growth and development. This is achieve through the presence of jasmine rice’s rich B vitamins coenzymes; such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12. These are essential for creating new red blood cells, metabolism of amino acids, synthesis of carbohydrates and fats for energy, immune function, brain development, and regulation of bodily hormones.
Eating jasmine rice can promote a healthy pregnancy.
Pregnancy is one of the most priceless and fulfilling life milestones amongst women. A lot of pregnancy-related body changes can happen including emotional swirls and hormonal changes. As you go through pregnancy, the body will demand more nourishment and supplementation of essential nutrients and vitamins needed for the mother and the proper development and health of the carried baby inside the womb.
Adding jasmine rice to your diet while pregnant can give you an abundant supply of folate which is responsible for the baby’s development and prevention of neural tube defects among infants. Consuming a reasonable and controlled portion of jasmine rice can help to regulate sugar and carbohydrates for pregnant women.
Brown jasmine rice can help diabetic people to manage their health.
People that suffer from diabetes are more likely to follow a controlled or below the normal range glycemic index meal plan. This process inhibits the consumption of white rice varieties since it may elevate the blood sugar levels of diabetic patients. Studies have also shown that eating white rice increases the insulin levels of a diabetic person which can lead to Type 2 Diabetes. In this case, the prescription for diabetics includes consuming the brown alternative instead. Brown jasmine rice has a rich and premium content of high dietary fibers and polyhydroxyphenols that can nourish the body. It also contains less starch and sugar compounds which the diabetic diet requires.
Brown jasmine rice is good for digestion.
The high fiber content of the brown jasmine rice helps in the digestion process while keeping the nutrients and vitamins in an intact state ready to be distributed in the body. The fiber in jasmine rice can also promote regular bowel movements and can prevent gastrointestinal problems.
Brown jasmine rice can help with the weight loss process.
Losing weight can be as frustrating and demanding more than it looks like. Tedious workouts and exercises, cutting down on your cravings, decreasing your portions with sweets, and trying those endless weight loss regimens can take a toll on someone’s nutritional, mental, and emotional state. But losing weight doesn’t mean depriving yourself completely. The body still needs the energy to cope up with the day-to-day activities. That’s why eating good sources of essential fatty acids and carbohydrates to burn as energy is tremendously necessary. Eating brown rice would be the healthiest option to check-in.
It has fewer sugar levels, less starch, and is less processed compared to the white jasmine rice. This way you can consume the carbs you need without having to worry about them being stored as fats; something that can lead to high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and obesity.
Jasmine rice is a potent sources of Manganese and Selenium.
Ever wonder what’s with Manganese and Selenium? Jasmine rice is a rich source of these two important elements that provide a beneficial contribution to the total health of our bodies. Manganese aids in the regulation of blood sugars, promotes skeletal or bone health, helps prevent seizure episodes, has anti-inflammatory benefits, and essential nutritional components for the nervous system’s health. While Selenium, on the other hand, is a powerful antioxidant that combats free radicals that cause cancers. This mineral also helps to prevent heart disease and cognitive disorders. It’s also good for the thyroid gland and boosts good hormone production.
Conclusion
Consuming rice daily has been a long-known practice in Asian countries. It goes well with other culinary textures and classifications; from meats, sautéed vegetables, and poultry to dairy farm products. However, you should eat it with control since rice can elevate glucose levels and may even contribute to weight gain. Most dietitians and nutritionists prescribe consuming at least a cup of rice per meal like during lunches and take a light kind of meal during dinner time; since night time requires mostly resting and sleeping. The health benefits of Jasmine rice are truly one of nature’s great wonders.
