Ofada rice is a specie of local brown rice popularly grown in the eastern parts of Nigeria. This delicious rice is famous for its unique taste and is neither polished nor genetically modified.
In Nigeria today, rice is the primary staple food that a large percentage of the population consumes. However, the most common rice in the Nigerian market is the polished ones which are usually imported from Asia and Europe.
Polished rice goes through several processes of refinement before they are shipped down to Nigeria for sales and consumption.
One reason why a lot of Nigerians prefer to purchase polished rice for consumption than the locally made ofada rice, is the stress involved picking dirt and stones out of the locally grown rice compared to The Polished rice that can just be raised and boiled directly.
Also, the unpolished rice takes a few minutes longer to cook than the polished one, and that is another reason why most people would instead purchase them.
Not many people are aware that ofada rice is more nutritious and has more health benefits than polished rice. The Ofada rice, which is local rice produced in Nigeria has a unique look.
It is grown in Ogun State, Ebonyi state, and many other Nigerian states where conditions are favorable. Ofada rice gives off a unique aroma when being boiled, and it is self-preserving rice and one a great option for health-conscious people, including diabetic individuals who have been warned not to eat rice.
The cellulose of Ofada rice not only increases the fiber content but also includes a variety of color pigments that are beneficial for health. Here are some health benefits of Ofada rice.
unlike regular polished rice, the cellulose present in ofada rice, both increases the fiber content and provides other health benefits that everyone can benefit from.
1. Good for bone health
Ofada rice contains essential minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and folate. Eating ofada rice also helps in the absorption of other bone health nutrients that are required to prevent bone diseases and nurture your bones.
2. Boosts your immunity
Ofada rice also contains vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, and E that help to make the human body stronger and boosts the immune system ability to fight against some specific diseases.
The B vitamins are very essential, and Ofada rice contains ten times more vitamin B1 and B6 than the polished rice.
3. Lowers bad cholesterol levels
Ofada rice has a high amount of dietary fibers, and that helps to reduce LDL cholesterol levels known to be responsible for excessive weight gain as a result of insulin resistance.
4. Contains a lot of antioxidants
The antioxidants content of Ofada rice is about 20-30 times more than that in polished rice. Antioxidants are what helps the body to prevent damage caused by free radicals.
If you are wondering what free radicals are, they are unstable molecules that are produced in the cells during your metabolism and may cause healthy cells to mutate.
Consumption of foods and drinks that are capable of neutralizing free radicals are highly encouraged.
5. Fights diabetes
Because of the cellulose and fiber content of the unpolished Ofada rice, it is useful for calorie management in overweight people and health conditions like diabetes.
6. Prevents constipation
One of my favorite of the ofada rice health benefits is the prevention of constipation. Ofada rice contains a high amount of dietary fiber which can fight constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal cancers like gastric ulcers.
7. It reduces the risk of breast cancer
Some Phytonutrient present in ofada rice can help in defending against heart disease and breast cancer.
A search on older women shows that consuming whole grain food like unpolished rice may increase the level of Enterolactone, linked with a lesser risk of breast cancer.
8. It prevents heart disease
Because of its high fiber content, ofada rice helps to lower the risk of heart disease. It also lowers blood pressure and lessens the risk of plaque or fat build-up in the arteries, thereby preventing heart diseases.
9. It protects against breast cancer
Most rice contains selenium, and ofada rice is not left out. Selenium has been shown to lessen the chances of getting colon cancer.
The high fiber content of rice speeds up the transit of chemicals that are cancer-causing in the gastrointestinal tract, and that means they can help fight against colon cancer.
10. It helps to maintain a healthy nervous system
Ofada rice has a high magnesium content which is vital for a healthy nervous system. Also, the nutrient present in ofada rice aids in the production of sex hormones through the synthesis of fatty acids and creating healthy bones.
A single cup of Ofada rice contains almost 21 percent of the recommended daily intake of magnesium.
These are only ten of the many benefits that can be derived from eating ofada rice. Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.
