CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Department of Agriculture (DA) spurred the people of Central Luzon to consume brown rice because it reduces the risks of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
“According to several surveys, many people die due to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes and that is where brown rice can be of help. Brown rice has a low glycemic index compared to white rice,” DA Regional Director Andrew Villacorta stressed. Aside from this, Be RICEponsible Campaign Director Hazel Antonio said that although brown rice has high sugar content, because of its low glycemic index and high fiber content, it takes longer for its sugar to be converted into blood sugar.
“Through the consumption of brown rice, one’s sugar level is controlled at a normal rate, which is good especially for the diabetic,” Antonio said.
Aside from this, she also mentioned that the said rice is likewise rich in antioxidants and other nutrients.
“All nutrients of brown rice are higher compared to that of milled [white] rice. Protein, iron, phosphorous, zinc and fiber are higher and it has lower carbs,” she added.
She also revealed that polishing or milling removes 60 to 80 percent of the nutrients of rice, which makes brown rice, or unpolished rice healthier for the body.
She also clarified that in essence, any unpolished rice of whichever variety is considered brown rice./Jean Ricelle Aquino/CLJD/JRAA-PIA 3