According to the American Heart Association, about 81 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. While many nutritionists have long touted the benefits of brown rice as a way to maintain good health, it appears that brown rice also may be able to help you maintain good heart health and avoid problems associated with cardiovascular disease.
Blood Pressure
According to researchers at Temple University School of Medicine's Cardiovascular Research Center, brown rice may be able to help protect you from high blood pressure and the hardening of your arteries. The researchers report that a substance contained within brown rice, but not white rice, may be able to fight angiostensin II, a blood compound that can cause an increase in blood pressure.
Brown Versus White Rice
Brown rice and white rice come from the same plant, but white rice is a more processed version of brown rice. In white rice, producers strip away a layer of the rice to take away the brownish coloring, making the rice appear white and more visually appealing. Researchers at Temple University report that this brown layer that producers strip away contains the beneficial substance that may be responsible for lowering blood pressure and protecting against hardened arteries.
Ingredient
The part of brown rice that contains the heart healthy substance is found in rice's subaleurone layer, the layer typically removed to produce white rice. This layer contains oligosaccharides and dietary fibers that may be related to the heart health benefits of those who eat white rice. The researchers point out that in Japan, where most people eat at least one rice meal a day, fewer people have heart disease than in the United States. Also, in the past 50 years, many people in Japan have adopted more of a Western diet, eating less brown rice. Since then, heart disease rates in Japan have nearly doubled.
Other Benefits
Along with lowering blood pressure, brown rice has additional health benefits. Brown rice also helps people control and maintain blood sugar levels and keep cholesterol to a normal level. Nutritionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that a cup of brown rice provides two-thirds of a person's recommended minimum daily allowance of whole grains.
