The process of germination allows tiny sprouts to form at the end of the grain enhancing the nutritional value of the rice. The birth of a sprout activates dormant enzymes to provide nutrients to the growing sprout. A Japanese researcher, Dr. Hiroshi Kayahara from Shinshu University in Nagano, Japan, has conducted various studies to demonstrate the enhancement of nutrients found in germinated brown rice. Major nutrients that increase are Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dietary fiber, inositol, ferulic acid, tocotrienols, magnesium, potassium, zinc and oryzanol. His research indicates that a continuous intake of germinated brown rice promotes the acceleration of brain functionality, preventing headaches, relieving constipation, preventing colon cancer, regulating blood sugar level, preventing heart disease, lowering blood pressure as well as preventing Alzheimer’s disease (research presented at the 2000 International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies in Hawaii, December 2000).
Germinating brown rice also neutralizes phytic acid found in brown rice. Phytic acid is an inhibitor of nutrient absorption and can be found in all grains, beans and seeds. Neutralizing the phytic acid allows for more absorption of the many nutrients found in germinated brown rice.
Here is a comparison of GBR's nutritional value with polished white rice and the nutrients' importance.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Promotes the reduction of high blood pressure, lowers blood fat levels and fights obesity. Improves the liver and kidney’s functions and helps stabilize the nervous system. Also, helps lower cholesterol in the blood.
Germinated
Brown Rice
Polished
White Rice
Gamma Oryzanol
Anti-oxidative effects, prevents skin aging and helps maintain cholesterol levels.
Germinated
Brown Rice
Polished
White Rice
Ferulic Acid
Antioxidant assisting the prevention of superoxide build-up, which is harmful to humans.
Germinated
Brown Rice
Polished
White Rice
Inositol
Effective for the prevention of fatty liver and cirrhosis of the liver.
Germinated
Brown Rice
Polished
White Rice
Tocotrienol
Contributes to maintaining cholesterol levels and assist cancer prevention.
Germinated
Brown Rice
Polished
White Rice
Dietary Fiber
Assist the reduction of blood cholesterol levels promoting general cardiovascular health. Alleviates constipation.
Germinated
Brown Rice
Polished
White Rice
References:
Kayahara, Hiroshi and Kikuichi Tsukahara: “Flavor, Health and Nutritional Quality of Pre-germinated Brown Rice,” presented at 2000 International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies in Hawaii, December 2000.
Kayahara, Hioshi and Kikuichi Tsukahara: “Fantastic Nutritional Function of Germinated Brown Rice,” PowerPoint Presentation
Shoichi Ito and Yukihiro Ishikawa Tottori University, Japan: "Marketing of Value-Added Rice Products in Japan: Germinated Brown Rice and Rice Bread," presented at FAO International Rice Year, 2004 Symposium Rome, Italy February 12, 2004
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Germinated Brown Rice
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Sol Grains’ germinated brown rice (GBR) requires much care and effort to be made. Exact soaking, exact germinating and exact drying methods give this rice exceptional nutrients, flavor, stability and digestibility.
When a grain starts to germinate, enzymes that have been inactive go to work making many changes within the grain. These enzymes convert the grain’s nutrients from the forms they are stored in to forms that are accessible to nourish the sprout. During this process nutrients found in the brown rice remarkably change.
Polished White Rice:
The most common type of rice eaten. The bran and germ have been polished away. This makes the rice easy to eat but lacks a good source of nutrients.
Germinated Brown Rice:
During germination the nutrient composition changes dramatically. The nutrient levels increase and the rice has a slight nutty flavor. Very easy to cook and eat.
Brown Rice:
The husk has been removed. The bran is full of nutrients but brown rice is hard to cook and eat.
Paddy Rice:
Rice in the husk
GBR's Many Nutrtional Benefits
