Rice has been considered a villain in the fitness industry for a long time for its purported fattening qualities. But a new study challenges the belief, saying that rice may be useful for weight loss. Japanese researchers from the Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts in Kyoto noted that people who follow Japanese or Asian-style cuisine were less likely to be obese than those in countries where rice is not a staple. The study further says that an increase of just 50 grams of rice a day can bring in a marked change. Professor Tomoko Imai who led the study believes that the low-fat content, high fibre, nutrients and plant compounds in rice could keep you full and prevent weight gain. If you have been cutting down on the grain, here are seven other health benefits of rice that will make you change your mind about it.

Rice Nutrition

A single serving of 100 grams of rice can provide 130 calories. It is very low in fat and sodium, and has modest amounts of potassium, fibre, sugar, proteins, calcium, iron, vitamin B-6, magnesium, folate, thiamine, selenium, niacin, iron and copper. White Rice for Weight Loss? How to Eat Your Favourite Cereal and Still Not Gain Weight.

1. Great Source of Energy

With 28g of carbs, 100 grams of rice provides nine percent of the daily value. Rice is rich in carbohydrates, which fuels the body and brain.

2. Controls Blood Pressure

Since rice has very less sodium, it’s an excellent addition to the DASH diet that helps in lowering blood pressure. Compared to the 400mg of sodium in 100 grams of wheat, there’s only 1 mg of it in the same quantity of rice.

3. Prevents Cancer

The insoluble fibre in rice is known to protect the body from a variety of cancers, especially those of the gastrointestinal kind. Dal Chawal for Weight Loss? How This Protein-Rich Indian Dish Can Help You Lose Weight.

4. Provides Electrolytes

In the hot summer months, drinking rice broth helps replenish the minerals we lose through sweating and maintain the electrolyte balance in the body.

5. Gluten Free

People who have developed an intolerance for gluten in wheat develop stomach problems such as bloating and diarrhoea. Eating rice can reduce the effects of irritable bowel syndrome and promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. How To Remove Starch From Rice? Cut Calories in Rice with This Simple Trick to Reduce Weight.

6. Prevents Neurodegenerative Diseases

The nutrients in the rice help promote nerve health, preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

7. Heals Fever

Drinking rice water can not only help in balancing electrolytes, but it can also calm a fever and regulate body temperature.

Rice is one of the commonest staples across the world and is the mainstay of most cuisines. After being misunderstood for causing weight gain, rice has vindicated itself as a potential weight loss food. To further cut down calories in rice, cook it with coconut oil to reduce its starch content.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 03, 2019 01:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).