Why organic rice can be a better choice in your daily diet

Rice plays a very important role in Indian culture and cuisine as it is closely associated with fertility and health across India’s many cultural traditions. You will be amazed to know that rice cultivation and consumption is believed to have started in the valley of the Ganges river as far back as 6500 BC.  And it is also mentioned in ancient Indian texts, including the Yajur Veda (compiled in the period circa 1800 BC).

Over the centuries around 110,000 varieties of rice were developed in India alone! Only 6000 of them now survive. In ancient times mostly they have grown conventionally that used traditional organic fertilizers. And as time passed, the population of the country grew and so the demand for rice grew. To meet these growing demands rice farming based on chemical fertilizers became popular. Such farming methods actually reduce the nutrient content of the grains and made it dangerous for your health.

At present what you consume is the mill-produced polished rice variety stripped of its nutritional value. Let me explain to you.

The grains of any variety of rice contain a hardcover called the husk and a thin inner layer called the bran. Rice grains with a bran layer are called unpolished rice or whole grain. The bran layer consists of various nutrients, including thiamine, which is an important component in a mother’s milk.

When unpolished rice is milled to produce super white polished rice, the bran layer is stripped off thereby removing the carbohydrates’ core. So you can see all the vital nutrient components are stripped off the grains and what we are consuming is nothing but chemical-filled harmful grains.

Hence, the time to change our habit of consumption of rice has come. Nowadays, organic rice is becoming highly sought after as more and more health-conscious citizens of the country are switching over to vegan and vegetarian diets to embrace the importance of healthier food and environmental sustainability.

Varieties of organic and traditionally grown rice:-

One may find a wide variety of organically grown rice available in the markets of India. Some varieties are locally available and some are internationally famous.

The basic difference can be in the color of the rice:-

• Organic Black Rice also known as the forbidden rice, is a rich source of proteins, vitamins, and other essential nutrients like fiber and iron, vitamin E is good for your hair and skin, and antioxidants like anthocyanin that control diabetes and heart diseases.
• Organic brown rice is rich in selenium, manganese, in naturally occurring oils, and also helps in weight reduction.
• Organic Red Rice has a nutty flavor and is rich in nutrients like dietary fiber, protein, and manganese, anthocyanin, an antioxidant, which is crucial to losing weight.
• Organic White Rice is nutritious, fat-free, sodium-free, and low in starch.

Some of the most famous organic varieties of rice available in the market are-  Radha-Tilak rice, Mulliphulo rice, Kalonuniya rice, Chamatkar rice, Kollam rice, and Ambemohar rice, Basmati rice, Sonamasuri rice, Jasmine rice, etc. You may find more variety of organic rice if you search on an online organic food site.

So, how many of you don't like to consume rice because of the fear of getting fat or increasing carb intake in your diet? Well, don't be so afraid as rice, especially organic rice is not as harmful as it seems.

Conventionally grown food crops like organic rice contain fewer pesticides and food additives, minimizing your exposure to harmful chemicals. Whole grain rice includes the outer husk of the rice and retains the maximum fiber content. This type of farming also reduces environmental pollution, conserves water, and reduces carbon footprint.

Do you know what are the benefits of consuming organic rice? Here they are:-

• Rice is a quick source of energy in your body: Unless you are on a ketogenic diet, carbohydrate is good for your health. Carbs are the main source of fuel in your body. When you consume rice it is broken down into sugar and enters your body. The glucose is carried to your cells to power up your activities.
• Rice is safe for people with food sensitivities: Rice is naturally gluten-free. And since it has the least allergenic of all grains, it is safe for consumption by people who have high risks of allergies and digestive problems.
• Rice is a good source of fiber: If you consume brown rice or any other type of rice with strips of husk intact on the grains, then it is a good source of fiber. Such a type of rice like brown rice helps to lower inflammation, improve gut health, and boost metabolism.
• Rice is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals: With more than 15 vitamins and minerals content like B vitamins, phosphorus, selenium, and magnesium, a cup of cooked brown rice can meet a large portion of daily manganese needs in your body.

Hence, you should definitely include organic varieties of rice in your daily diet. Consult a nutritionist regarding the portion you need to take and enjoy a chemical-free diet for the rest of your life.