11
Mar
Basmati rice is a special variant of rice that is traditionally associate from the Indian subcontinent.
Though India currently accounts for over 70% of the world’s production and 65% of all exports, Nepal and Pakistan have also been involved in its cultivation.
The term basmati itself is derived from the Hindustani word meaning fragrant, staying true to its intrinsic nature of the rice.
It is known for distinctive fragrance and flavor that is similarly found in cheese, fruits and other certain types of grains.
Photo Source : Sebpowen
Its enticing fragrant has also been introduced as a flavoring agent in most of the United States and Europe.
However, the popularity of basmati stems from many things aside the fragrance.
This particular grain of rice contains many health benefits compared to traditional white jasmine rice.
Here are a list of benefits of consuming Basmati Rice:
Basmati Rice is suitable for diabetics
Basmati rice has an intrinsically low Glycemic Index (GI), which is the measure of how rich the food is in glucose, protein and fiber as well as how digestible the starch is.
Low digestible carbs can lead to lower blood glucose levels, which means it can help regulate the blood sugar of diabetics.
Weight control
The high fiber content of basmati rice is perfect for maintaining healthy body weight. Eating it can make you feel full at a quicker rate.
It also contains high amounts of amylose which is a type of carb that is slower to digest for your body, further helping you regulate your appetite.
Photo Source : flickr
Basmati Rice could help promote Heart Health
In addition to high fiber content, Basmati also contains lower saturated fats than regular rice. Together, it makes for a healthy diet for your heart and cardiovascular system overall.
Intake of unsaturated fats aids in protecting your heart and your body from clotting and other health problems that usually arise from arterial problems.
Prevent Cancer formation
Another benefit of consuming it is prevention of cancer, and again due to its high content of fiber. It contains about 20% more fiber than regular rice, even more than brown rice in fact.
This outstanding amount of fiber helps cleanse your colon of any potential cancer causing compounds. This is especially true for colon cancer and breast cancer, which can be prevented by frequent consumption of high fiber foods.
Lower blood pressure
Basmati rice contains healthy amounts of magnesium and potassium, which have been proven to lower blood pressure if consumed on a regular basis. Together they work by sedating the walls of the blood vessel, which results in lower blood pressure.
With so many health benefits, it’s not a surprise that it is a staple ingredient in many cultures. Its exotic fragrance also adds another layer of dimension to a cuisine when prepared properly.
For those interested to incorporate this special grain of rice to their diet, Puri Pangan Utama, as a leading food supplier in Bali proudly offers saffron basmati product for our customers.