Eating brown rice, also known as “whole grain rice”, has many benefits for the baby in the womb and the mother’s health. It is considered one of the energy-giving food groups. Brown rice is unpolished rice, so it retains more nutritional value than polished white rice. When looking at the benefits, it contains a complete range of good nutrients including protein, vitamins, and minerals. Let’s see what they are..
- Regular consumption of brown rice helps prevent beriberi and cleft lip due to its vitamin B2 content.
- Relieves fatigue, burning and tingling sensations in the legs, calf pain, and muscle pain.
- Contains twice as much iron, helping to prevent anemia.
- Contains phosphorus, which aids in the growth of bones, teeth, and hair.
- Contains calcium essential for pregnant mothers, helping to strengthen bones and prevent cramps, which over 90% of pregnant mothers experience.
- Contains fats that provide energy to the body; brown rice contains good fats without cholesterol.
- Contains dietary fiber, which helps with constipation and colon cancer.
- Contains more than 20 types of minerals and vitamins combined, which help the body’s systems function more efficiently.
- Contains 20-30% more protein, helping to build the body and repair worn-out cells.
- Has less starch than white rice, helping with weight loss, and for those who are thin, it helps them become stronger due to increased intake of beneficial nutrients. This also improves the mental health of pregnant mothers because a strong, fresh, and bright body leads to better mood.
With so many benefits, try to include brown rice in your next meal. The more regularly you eat it, the better. New mothers who are just starting to eat brown rice may find it a bit rough and not as soft as white rice they are used to. It is recommended to gradually transition by mixing it with the white rice you usually eat first.
