The Benefits Of Brown - Unpolished - Rice

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Unpolished rice - I remember when I first heard the term. I had to look it up. It is actually not that big of a deal. Brown is the color of all rice before it goes through the entire process of polishing.

According to researchers, brown rice may offer protection against high blood pressure. In addition to that, it appears to have a protective effect on damage to the arteries.

It also appears that when brown rice is polished to make white rice, the health benefits tend to disappear as well.

Brown rice is rich in fiber which is present in the brown layer of the grains. We know that the health benefits of a high fiber diet are being stressed by medical experts so, clearly, brown rice may have a role.