With so many diet fads and food trends filling the food and beverage space, it’s easy to forget the simple foods that were once the bread and butter (literally and figuratively) of Americans diets. Specifically, rice has been replaced by its more fascinating grain counterparts like quinoa, bulgur and cous cous. Their exotic names and ethnic flair make them more appealing on menus and at the dinner table compared to simpler rice varieties. Further, these exotic grains tend to be more costly while not offering any additional health benefits.
According to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), half of the world’s population depends on rice as a key ingredient in their diet. Seeing as this universally loved ingredient can sometimes fall off the radar, we wanted to share the top five benefits of rice that may have been forgotten over the years straight from go-to manufacture of packaged foods, specializing in ethnic and Latin cuisine, Iberia Foods.
- Affordable Price. One 10 lb. bag of rice can provide up to a month’s worth of delicious and filling meals
- Gluten-Free AND Cholesterol-Free. Rice is naturally gluten-free and cholesterol-free
- Does not contain harmful fats, cholesterol or sodium. Low sodium in rice makes it a preferred food for those who suffer from hypertension
- Rich in Vitamins. Excellent source of vitamins and minerals including: niacin, vitamin D, calcium, fiber, iron, thiamine and riboflavin
- Protein. Rice forms a complete protein when combined with beans making it a great substitute for meat
- Versatility. Rice can be used as a base for a number of dishes or combined with simple ingredients to be eaten alone. Can be steamed, cooked, boiled or baked
**FUN FACT: Rice is a symbol of life and fertility, which is why rice was traditionally throw at weddings
