Uncle Ben's: Whole Grains: Nutrient Benefits
"Was Uncle Ben real?" Unlike many companies that have "manufactured" their brand icon, the truth is the Uncle Ben's brand was actually inspired by a real man, a Texas rice farmer with an unparalleled dedication to quality. The story goes that his crops were so widely admired for their high-grade kernels and bountiful yields that other growers tried to boast that their rice, too, was "as good as Uncle Ben's."
The farmer's name might eventually have been lost to history, but during World War II, the president of Converted Rice, Inc. needed a name for his revolutionary parboiled rice. Remembering the stories of Uncle Ben, he decided that only the Uncle Ben's name could represent his product's unprecedented yield, consistency, and quality.
Amidst the flurry of conflicting scientific and popular messages on nutrition, there is one message that has remained constant and undisputed. Eat more whole grains. Today's menus call for increasingly rich and vibrant flavors.
Uncle Ben's recently produced a line of flavors which complement the Worlds of Healthy Flavors. These include: tomato and basil flavor, garlic and butter flavor, roasted chicken, Mexican, and saffron.
Whole Grains: Nutrient Benefits
A key message from nutrition experts is to eat more whole grains. Nutrition labels use a variety of terms to identify whole grains such as "cracked wheat" and "multigrain," making it somewhat difficult to identify whole grain products from refined grains. Whole grain means that all of the parts of the grains are used: the fiber rich bran (outer layer), the energy containing endosperm (middle layer), and the nutrient packed germ (inner layer). Whole grain foods are foods in which 51 percent or more of the ingredients are whole grains. Until recently, it was thought that the health benefits of whole grains were largely due to their high fiber content. Recent scientific evidence confirms that it is the total grain package—fiber, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and phytonutrients—working together that promotes and maintains health. Rice is also an excellent source of B vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. It contains the minerals phosphorous, iron, and potassium.
Whole grains in rice can be an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants called phenolics. The nutritional benefits of rice can be enhanced by serving them with a variety of other healthy foods such as nuts, vegetables, fruits, and lean meats. The exciting news of antioxidants and rice stems from recent scientific studies. Phenolic acid, the same phytonutrient found in green tea, berries, and red wine, has a wide range of beneficial properties including antiviral, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory effects. Phytic acid is another antioxidant present in whole grains which may have cancer prevention benefits.
Promote a Healthy Heart: Those who consume the most whole grains consistently show lower risks of heart disease. Researchers believe that whole grain components such as fiber, Vitamin E, antioxidants, and other nutrients work together to promote a healthy heart by reducing LDL oxidation, increasing vascular function, and reducing platelet coagulation. In other words, they keep the blood vessels and blood flowing properly
Protect Against Diabetes: There is strong evidence to suggest that eating a variety of whole grain foods is beneficial in the prevention and management of diabetes. The fiber in whole grains has been shown to help regulate blood sugar and lower long-term diabetes risk.
Lower Cancer Risk: Studies show that consuming whole grains, which are significantly high in fiber and phenolic antioxidants, can significantly lower the risk of certain cancers, particularly those of the digestive tract.
Help You Age Gracefully: Consuming antioxidants found in whole grains, such as Vitamin E, selenium, and phenolic acids, may be beneficial in preventing age-related damage to the body's cells.
Help Maintain Healthy Body Weight: Studies consistently show that more whole grains in the diet = less weight gain.
Promote overall wellness: Whole grains contain many essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins, such as folic acid, which help maintain good health.
References
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Tucker, K.L. Dietary intake and coronary heart disease: a variety of nutrients and phytochemicals are important. Current Treatment Options Cardiovascular Medicine. 2004, 4:291-302.
Rimm, et al. Vegetable, fruit, and cereal fiber intake and risk of coronary heart disease among men. JAMA 1996 274: 447-451.
Mckeown, et al. Whole grain intake is favorable associated with metabolic risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2002;76:390-98.
Venn, B.J. and Mann, J.L. Cereal grains , legumes, and diabetes. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2004. May 19.
Liu, S. et al. Dietary fiber intake and obesity. National Research Newsletter. 2003 22:12.