Rice is the staple food of the Japanese people. There are different types of “rice,” including white Rice, Brown Rice, and Rice with Cereals, each of which has different nutritional value. Among these, brown rice is attracting attention as being rich in nutrients and recommended for health and diet. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of brown rice and how it differs from enzyme brown rice.
In the end, we will also introduce some restaurants where you can enjoy tasty enzyme brown rice, so if you are interested, please visit them.
What is Brown Rice?
Brown rice is rice that has had only the husks removed from the rice seed, leaving the bran and germ intact. White rice, on the other hand, is rice from which the husk, bran, and germ have been removed.
Therefore, Brown rice is rich in nutrients from the bran and germ, which are not found in White rice.Especially compared to white rice, it contains more B vitamins, minerals such as calcium and magnesium, dietary fiber, and protein.
Benefits of Brown Rice
- Relieves constipation
Brown rice contains six times more dietary fiber than white rice. It stimulates bowel movement (relieves constipation) and improves the intestinal environment, thereby easing the absorption of fat. - Beauty Effects
Gamma-oryzanol, a component of brown rice, has been shown to promote insulin secretion and lower blood glucose levels. Gamma-oryzanol is a plant sterol that is not easily absorbed by the body, and has the effect of inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol. Therefore, when taken with food, absorption from the digestive tract is slowed down, the satiety center is stimulated, and the feeling of satiety is facilitated. In other words, it prevents overeating. - Recommended for Food Curing
Brown rice is a food rich in vitamins and minerals and has a wonderful nutritional balance.
It is said to prevent lifestyle-related diseases and diabetes. - Anti-Aging
Humans also oxidize and rust. The main reason for aging is skin rust. Skin wrinkles and spots are increasing. Such symptoms appear with aging.
Vitamin E, which is contained in brown rice, has a strong antioxidant effect and prevents these symptoms.
Disadvantages of Brown Rice
- Phytic acid
In the germ of Brown rice, there is an enzyme (phytase) that is known to break down phytic acid. Phytic acid has a strong antioxidant effect and is said to be involved in cancer prevention. On the other hand, its strong chelating action is said to inhibit the absorption of essential minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc.However, studies conducted by the Food and Drug Safety Center of Japan and others have confirmed the safety of phytic acid, and recently its functionality has been attracting attention. - High pesticide residue
It is said that 80% of the residual pesticides in rice used during cultivation can be removed by milling. However, unpolished brown rice contains a lot of pesticide ingredients. It is also true that Japan has laxer standards for pesticide residues than countries such as Europe.Although we cannot make any general statements about the dangers of pesticide residue, you can safely enjoy brown rice that has been grown without the use of pesticides. - Bad for digestion
People with weak stomachs or gastrointestinal disorders should be careful.
When eating brown rice, chew it thoroughly. If you are concerned about indigestion, try cooking half and half with white rice. Also, if you soak the rice in water for about 4 to 5 hours before cooking, it will become germinated brown rice and will be easier to digest.
What is Enzymatic Brown Rice?
Enzyme brown rice is easier to digest than regular brown rice and is even more nutritious. Enzyme brown rice is brown rice that has been cooked, kept warm for several days, and then aged.
It is sometimes referred to as “Fermented Brown Rice” or “Nekase(sleeping) Brown Rice”. It is often cooked with azuki beans and salt.
It is softer, firmer, and easier to eat than regular brown rice. It is often talked about by celebrities and models who have adopted it for health care and diet.
Nutrients in Enzymatic Brown Rice
It is rich in protein, minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, and GABA.
GABA, a type of amino acid, is attracting attention as a substance that activates the parasympathetic nervous system. It is expected to have a relaxing effect, which is great for those suffering from stress and insomnia.
In addition, azuki beans cooked together contain zinc, potassium, and polyphenols. Zinc is a mineral related to metabolism and immunity. It is also expected to maintain the sense of taste and healthy skin and mucous membranes.
Polyphenols have antioxidant properties and are expected to prevent lifestyle-related diseases and have an anti-aging effect.
Potassium is a mineral that can be expected to improve swelling.
Enzyme brown rice available in Tokyo
結わえる 本店（蔵前）YUWAERU Honten (Kuramae)
At YUWAERU Honten, you can choose any combination of side dishes and soups to make your lunch, and you can enjoy enzyme brown rice at a reasonable price.
You can choose from a variety of side dishes made from seasonal vegetables, miso soup, homemade pickles, and more to create your own set meal.
There are three types of lunch: The Yuwaeru Gozen (brown rice, soup, main dish, pickles, two obanzai dishes, sashimi, and dessert) for 1,700yen, The Hare Bakozen set meal (brown rice, soup, main dish, pickles, and two obanzai dishes) for 1,400yen, and The Hakozen set meal (brown rice, soup (large), pickles, and two obanzai dishes) for 1,100 yen.
This time I ordered The Hare Bakozen set meal. For the main dish, I chose shichimi-yaki chicken, and for the soup, I chose curry-flavored pork soup.
The brown rice had a chewy texture, was filling, and was very delicious. It was a set meal that was visually pleasing, with a variety of vegetables used as side dishes.
If you want to eat Japanese set meals in Japan, this is the place to go！
Address：2-14-14 Kuramae, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Lunch：11:30-14:30 (L.O.14:00)
Dinner：Weekdays 17:30-23:00 (L.O.22:30)
Saturdays and holidays：17:00-22:00 (L.O.21:30)
Closed： Sunday, Obon, Year-end and New Year holidays
URL：https://www.yuwaeru.co.jp/honten
