Why Choose Thai Jasmine Rice?
Thai jasmine rice is the long grain rice which is well known for its fragrance and taste all around the world. This rice is one of the main export products of the central and north eastern of Thailand. Because of the most suitable geographic location, Thailand can grow the best quality and unique jasmine rice. This rice is also known as ‘Thai Hom Mali rice’ and ‘Thai Fragrance Rice’.
The best quality of this type of rice are grown mainly in the north eastern provinces such as Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, Burirum, Sisaket, Surin and Yasothon. Due to the most suitable environment factors, such as the ample amount sunlight throughout the year, amount of rainfall, the best taste of Thai Fragrance Rice can only be grown in these provinces.
Nutritional Value
One cup of cooked jasmine rice contains 4.2 g protein, 44.5 g carbohydrates, about 200 calories, 0.63 g fiber, 2.3 mg niacin, 0.26 mg thiamine, 1.9 mg iron and 11.8 mcg selenium. Total fats equal 0.44 g. Jasmine registers as a “good” source of niacin, thiamine, iron and selenium because the amounts found in the cooked product range between 10 and 20 percent of the recommended daily requirement. This rice also provides vitamins B1 and D. Researchers at the International Rice Research Institute hope to further enrich rice with higher nutrient levels through biotechnology and improved growing methods.
Health Benefits
When combined with drinking plenty of water, eating jasmine or any other variety of rice — especially whole grain, or brown, jasmine rice — prevents constipation. Because this brown rice type contains a fair amount of insoluble fiber, it can benefit digestion by helping flush food quickly through the gastrointestinal tract and softening stools. The vitamins and minerals in found in this rice benefit the skin, and provide quick energy, since its is a complex carbohydrate. It’s also a low-fat, sodium-free food.
Health Concerns
The jasmine rice is perhaps the most familiar to the Western palate is long-grained, smooth-textured and pearly white. Whole grain, or brown, jasmine rice retains the bran, or outer husk. Brown jasmine rice is more nutritious and higher in fiber than the white, water-milled version. White jasmine rice is a starchy, refined food and, as such, temporarily raises insulin and blood sugar levels. Therefore, a diet high in refined foods, such as white rice, may increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Brown rice, on the other hand, poses no increased risk toward this type of diabetes, according to Healthnotes.
Why Choose Thai Jasmine Rice? by Nicholas Joseph Lim
