Cutting Down On White Rice? The New GABA Rice Is A Healthier Alternative
It's even healthier than brown rice!
By Julie Mokhtar — 19 Jan 2018, 11:17 AM
Can't give up your nasi? There's a way to get all the nutrients you need without giving up your favourite food!
Sprouted nuts and seeds are known in the clean-eating circle for their vast health benefits. The good news: You can sprout rice as well to reap its full nutritional content!
Known as GABA rice, this germinated brown rice is becoming a popular choice in Korea. The rice is viewed as being “alive”, while white rice is seen as “dead” and brown rice as “asleep”.
Many are familiar with the health benefits of consuming brown rice as opposed to white rice. Retaining its cereal germ and bran, brown rice contains fibre, vitamins and minerals while white rice does not. However, to unlock the full nutritional content of brown rice, germinating is the way to go.
GABA rice is deemed as "alive" as its innate nutrition is fully activated. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, GABA rice packs more gamma-Aminobutyric acid, Vitamin B1, Vitamin E, fibre, magnesium and calcium compared to brown rice. Additionally, it's fluffier, tastier and easier to digest!
GABA rice's low glycaemic index (GI) also makes it a great option for weight management
GABA rice also helps with lowering risk of heart disease, soothing constipation and maintaining brain health. It's a great option for those with hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, obesity or indigestion.
While consuming germinated brown rice is beneficial, sprouting it yourself at home can be a hassle - taking up to 20 hours!
Besides the long soaking time, you'll need to rinse the soaked rice a few times a day, making it quite a chore.
Fortunately, popular Korean brand Cuckoo's range of multi-cookers includes a GABA rice function, making sprouting your rice a lot more convenient
Simply add rice and water into the cooker and select the GABA function with the cooking time you prefer (a choice of 2, 4, or 6 hours). No 20-hour soaking or rinsing every few hours required!
Besides GABA rice, the innovative cookers are fitted with other smart features for cooking, steaming, baking, braising, stewing and frying, along with auto-cleaning and pre-set options for added convenience.
