Nature’s Perfect Whole Food
Make Rice Part of your Healthy Diet
Did you know that Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating recommends 3-7 servings of grain products per day? Rice is an excellent addition to any well-balanced, healthy diet.
One cup (250 mL) of cooked white rice provides 2 servings of grain. The Canadian diet should provide 55% of energy as carbohydrates, including cereal, breads, other grain products, fruits, and vegetables. Whole grain brown rice is a great way to increase fibre and nutrition in your diet. Try mixing up your meals today but incorporating or substituting white rice with brown. Taste the difference!
White Rice
White rice is fat- and sodium-free, and contains only 103 calories per ½ cup serving. White rice is a source of the following:
- Niacin
- Pantothenic acid (B5)
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Vitamin B6
- Zinc
Brown Rice
Low in fat and sodium-free, brown rice Contains only 108 calories per ½ cup serving. Brown rice contains the same nutritional elements as white rice, but is also an excellent source of the following:
- Dietary fibre
- Thiamine
- Iron
Rice Bran
Rice bran can be used in baking (muffins) as a replacement for either wheat or oat bran. It can also be used as filler (meatloaf, meatballs) because it acts as a binder. This is also a useful ingredient for creating baked goods for those who are intolerant of gluten.
High in dietary fibre and sodium-free, rice bran contains the same nutritional elements as white and brown rice but is an additional source of the following:
- Vitamin E
- Folacin
- Zinc
- Potassium
Recipes
Yummy Rice Pudding
Finely grated apple and mashed banana add the perfect level of sweetness for tiny palates. Serve this sweet treat warm, at room temperature, or cold, depending on your baby’s preference. This recipe is a source of iron, which is a factor in red blood cell formation. Gradual introduction of iron-rich solid foods should be part of baby’s diet starting at six months of age. This recipe also provides calcium, which aids in the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth. Continue Reading
Korean Rice Bowl
The Korean Rice Bowl is sure to dominate kitchen tables across the country. This dinner for four only costs $13 to make and family members will welcome the Asian-inspired flavours and change from the everyday casserole. Prepare pork and cabbage up to a day in advance and use leftover U.S. rice to cut back on prep time for a fast weeknight meal. Continue Reading
Brown Rice Cuban Burgers
A wholesome, meatless option for a weeknight meal or backyard entertaining, these convenient, healthy burgers are richly flavourful. Made with ingredients from all food groups, health-conscious vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike will be wowed by this crowd-pleasing option. Continue Reading
