Many of us can't think of lunch without a bowl of rice. But the good old rice is taking a pounding now when crash diets and a plethora of dietary supplements are ruling the roost in the era of weight reduction. This is even though for a long time we believed that rice is not just a source of calories, but also a source of life.
Many households today keep rice at bay fearing that its intake can result in weight gain. But the fact of the matter is that rice is a nutritious food if consumed in the right way. There is no need to shun white rice as its high carbohydrate content gives instant energy to the body.
Rice is also a storehouse of vitamin B, iron, antioxidants and minerals. As a natural diuretic, rice helps reduce irregular bowel movements and constipation. It may be noted that a plate of rice contains 4 to 5 grams of protein.
Rice can be a healthy meal if a moderate portion is smartly paired with adequate quantities of protein and fibre. Here's how to go about it. 1) Wash and soak: Ensure to wash rice properly to remove dirt and other impurities, and soak it for nearly two hours.
This process will help in reducing the glycemic index (GI) thereby lessening the risk of blood sugar spikes in the body. 2) Remove boiling froth: Remove the froth that is formed after boiling rice. This will help to separate excess starch, phytic acid and impurities.
Moreover, it also helps in reducing the chances of spurts in blood sugar. 3) Add bay leaf: A bay leaf not only makes rice nutritio.