Empower your health: Why it’s time to ditch polished rice for better well-being

Our dietary choices significantly impact our well-being, and polished rice is a widely favored staple. Despite its popularity due to appearance and taste, it might not be as healthy as thought. This exploration reveals why we should rethink polished rice in favor of nourishing alternatives, aiming for better health.

Rice can be polished to remove the outer layers, including the bran and germ, which contain most of the nutrients. This process is known as rice polishing or milling. Polishing rice gives it a white, shiny appearance but also removes some of its nutritional content. Here’s how the polishing process works and how it affects the nutrient content of rice:

Rice Polishing Process:

Hulling: The outer husk is removed from the rice grain, resulting in brown rice.

Milling: The brown rice can be further processed to remove the bran and germ layers, resulting in white rice.

Polishing: White rice can be polished using friction to remove the aleurone layer (a thin layer of cells containing nutrients) on the surface of the grain. This process gives rice a smoother, more attractive appearance.

Effect on Nutrient Content:

Polishing rice does remove some of its nutrients, as the outer layers contain valuable vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The bran, in particular, contains fiber, B vitamins, and minerals like magnesium and zinc. The germ contains healthy fats, B vitamins, and other nutrients.

Nutrient Loss: The nutrient loss during polishing can be significant. For example, brown rice contains more fiber, vitamins (such as B vitamins), and minerals (like magnesium) compared to polished white rice. The milling process can result in a loss of up to 50-90% of various nutrients, depending on the degree of polishing.

Enrichment: To address the nutrient loss, some countries enrich polished white rice with specific vitamins and minerals through a process known as rice enrichment. This helps restore some of the nutrients lost during polishing, making the rice more nutritionally balanced.

Whole Grains: If you’re looking to retain more nutrients, consider consuming whole grain rice varieties such as brown rice, red rice, black rice, or other unpolished options. These rice types have the bran and germ intact, providing higher levels of nutrients and dietary fiber.

Ofada rice, also known as local or unpolished rice, offers several advantages over imported polished rice. Here are some benefits of Ofada rice:

Nutritional Value: Ofada rice retains its bran layer, which contains essential nutrients such as dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals like magnesium and zinc. This makes it a more nutritious option compared to polished rice, which has had these outer layers removed.

Dietary Fiber: The bran in Ofada rice provides dietary fiber that aids in digestion, helps maintain a healthy gut, and can contribute to weight management.

Lower Glycemic Index: Ofada rice has a lower glycemic index compared to polished rice. This means it causes a slower and steadier rise in blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for managing diabetes and maintaining energy levels.

Rich Flavor: Ofada rice has a distinct and robust flavor that many people find more appealing compared to the milder taste of polished rice.

Cultural Heritage: Ofada rice is a traditional African grain that holds cultural significance. Consuming locally grown foods supports local farmers and preserves cultural heritage.

Environmental Impact: Choosing Ofada rice supports sustainable and local agriculture, reducing the carbon footprint associated with importing polished rice.

Less Processing: Ofada rice undergoes minimal processing compared to polished rice, which requires extensive milling and polishing. This makes it a more natural and whole food option.

Anti-Nutrients: Ofada rice contains lower levels of anti-nutrients compared to polished rice, making it easier for the body to absorb nutrients.

Variety: Ofada rice comes in various colors and sizes, adding visual appeal and diversity to meals.

Supporting Local Economy: Choosing Ofada rice supports local farmers and contributes to rural development and the growth of the local economy.

Reduced Chemicals: Local rice may have fewer chemical additives, pesticides, and preservatives compared to imported rice.

Promotes Food Security: Supporting local agriculture by consuming Ofada rice helps enhance food security by reducing reliance on imported food sources.

Uses of extracted nutrients from polished rice:

The nutrients extracted from rice during the polishing process are often used in various applications across different industries. Here are some common uses for the nutrients extracted from rice:

Food and Beverage Fortification: The nutrients extracted from rice, such as rice bran and rice germ, are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. These nutrients can be used to fortify various food products, including breakfast cereals, energy bars, and beverages. Fortification helps enhance the nutritional value of processed foods.

Supplements: Nutrients extracted from rice, particularly rice bran oil and rice bran powder, can be used to create dietary supplements. Rice bran is a source of healthy fats, antioxidants, and B vitamins, making it a popular ingredient in nutritional supplements.

Cosmetics and Skincare: Rice extracts, especially from rice bran and rice germ, are utilized in cosmetics and skincare products. They are known for their skin-soothing properties and are used in creams, lotions, serums, and facial masks.

Pharmaceuticals: Some components extracted from rice, such as gamma-oryzanol found in rice bran oil, have potential health benefits and are studied for their role in managing conditions like high cholesterol and oxidative stress. These components may be used as ingredients in pharmaceutical preparations.

Animal Feed: The nutrient-rich components of rice bran and rice germ are sometimes used as additives in animal feed to enhance the nutritional content of livestock and poultry diets.

Biofuel Production: Rice bran oil can be used to produce biodiesel and other biofuels. The oil’s high lipid content makes it a potential feedstock for renewable energy production.

Industrial Applications: Some rice-derived components, such as rice husk ash, have applications in industries like construction, ceramics, and manufacturing. Rice husk ash, for instance, can be used in cement production and as a filler material in plastic products.

Fertilizers: Rice bran and rice husk ash are sometimes used as organic components in fertilizers due to their nutrient content. They can contribute to soil fertility and enhance plant growth.

Research and Development: The nutrients extracted from rice, including phytochemicals and bioactive compounds, are studied for their potential health benefits. This research contributes to a better understanding of their properties and applications.

It’s important to note that while these nutrient extracts have various uses, their specific applications may vary depending on the quality of the extracts and the regulations governing their use in different industries.

Home made cereal formulation fortified with rice nutrients extract.

Rice Nutrients Extract for Food and Beverage Fortification

Product: NutriBoost Rice Fortified Cereal

Ingredients:

• Whole grain cereal base (oats, Fonio-Hungry Man Rice, Chia seeds.
• Rice bran extract powder
• Rice germ extract powder
• Vitamins and minerals (Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Iron, Zinc)
• Natural flavors and sweeteners (Honey)

Nutritional Benefits:

Enriched with essential vitamins and minerals

High dietary fiber content from rice bran and whole grains

Source of antioxidants from rice bran extract

Provides energy and sustained satiety

Formulation:

Step 1: Rice Nutrients Extract Preparation

Rice Bran Extract: The rice bran extract is obtained by processing rice bran through solvent extraction, resulting in a concentrated powder rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Rice Germ Extract: The rice germ extract is obtained through cold-pressing rice germ, producing a nutrient-rich oil that is later processed into a fine powder.

Step 2: Cereal Base Preparation

The whole grain cereal base is prepared by mixing oats, Fonio, and Chia seeds in the desired ratio. This forms the main component of the fortified cereal.

Step 3: Fortification

Incorporate Rice Bran Extract: The rice bran extract powder is thoroughly mixed into the cereal base to distribute its nutrients evenly.

Integrate Rice Germ Extract: The rice germ extract powder is added to the mixture, enhancing the nutritional content with its vitamin-rich components.

Step 4: Vitamin and Mineral Addition

Vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Iron, and Zinc are added to fortify the cereal. These nutrients complement the benefits of the rice extracts.

Step 5: Flavor Enhancement

Natural flavors and sweeteners are introduced to improve the taste and overall sensory experience of the fortified cereal.

Step 6: Mixing and Homogenization

The ingredients are mixed thoroughly to ensure even distribution and uniform fortification.

Step 7: Packaging

The NutriBoost Rice Fortified Cereal is carefully packaged in airtight containers to maintain freshness and preserve the nutritional content.

Usage:

NutriBoost Rice Fortified Cereal can be enjoyed as a nutritious breakfast option by cooking and adding milk or yogurt. It provides a balanced blend of whole grains, rice bran, rice germ, and essential vitamins and minerals for a wholesome start to the day.