Gastroenterologist Ekaterina Kashukh, MD, a medical expert at the Gemotest laboratory, emphasized in an interview with RT that rice is a natural source of B vitamins, which are essential for the health of the nervous system. At the same time, she warned that in rare cases an allergy to this product may occur.
“Rice is a natural source of B vitamins, which are essential for the health of the nervous system. Rice also contains minerals – magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and iron, which support the functioning of muscles, bones, heart and other internal organs. In addition, rice grains contain starch and dietary fiber – both substances help improve digestion. And some varieties of rice also contain antioxidants – they help protect cells from free radicals and slow down the aging of the body,” said Kashukh.
In addition, according to her, rice is great for people with celiac disease – gluten intolerance, since this substance is not included in the product.
“Rice also contains very little fat, so dishes based on it are perfect for people who watch their weight. Due to the high content of simple carbohydrates, people with diabetes should be careful when eating refined rice – this substance can cause a sharp increase in blood sugar levels. In addition, due to the low fiber content, rice can cause constipation,” the RT interlocutor warned.
She added that excessive consumption of white rice increases the risk of developing thyroid disease (the organ will not be able to produce enough hormones) and atherosclerosis.
“In rare cases, there is an allergy to rice. Its symptoms are skin rash, nausea, shortness of breath,” the doctor concluded.
September 20 is World Rice Day.
Earlier, Kashukh said in an interview with RT that against the backdrop of autumn outbreaks of acute respiratory viral infections, inflammatory processes in the body are activated, which can aggravate chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
