Rice belongs to the group of cereals that form the basis of nutrition. Along with bread and pasta, it is at the base of the Mediterranean diet pyramid. It contains approximately 90% simple and complex carbohydrates, and therefore can provide excellent support for our daily energy needs.
Because it contains vegetable protein of low biological value, it is good to combine it with meat, fish or legumes in the daily menu, to complete the amino acid profile and increase the biological value of the protein. The humble chickpea rice or lentil rice are ideal dishes that offer both carbohydrates and protein that help with the everyday bodily functions.
Rice has numerous health benefits. It has no cholesterol, fat or sodium, so it the perfect food for people with hypertension and general cardiovascular diseases. Research has also shown that rice germ oil can lower LDL cholesterol by 7%.
It contains potassium and magnesium, and is rich in B vitamins, such as thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic and folic acid.
. It does not contain gluten, so it can be consumed by people with celiac disease.
