What are the major benefits of Ofada rice to those who have been consuming the delicacy? This question calls for a response or responses from food experts, thus Chefsbase is here to address the topic.

The reason many people prefer polished rice (white rice) to the locally-made unpolished rice (Ofada) rice in Nigeria is the stress they encounter in picking the latter before cooking it, compared to the polished rice which is very clean and ready for boiling and also can be prepared in less than 20 minutes compared to the unpolished rice.

Not many people know that unpolished rice has more health relevance than polished rice. Ofada rice is local rice produced in Nigeria; it is short and has brown stripes before cultivating without chemicals, cultivated in Ogun State.

Ofada rice emits a special aroma when cooking, it is self-preserving and one of the foods that add value to the lives of health-conscious people including those who have diabetes and have been warned not to eat rice.

According to food analysts, during a summit for farmers in Ogun state, both the white and brown rice contain similar amounts of energy- carbohydrates and protein, Ofada rice, however, contains higher amounts of vitamins and minerals.

The cellulose of Ofada rice not only increases the fibre content but also includes a variety of colour pigments that are essential for health.

The Major Benefits of Ofada Rice

Here are the major health benefits of Ofada rice:

1. Aids Digestion

Ofada rice helps enhance the digestive system and makes digestion easy due to the dietary fibre present in it.

A study has proven that Ofada rice contains more phosphorus and fibre in raw, cooked, and soaked states than imported rice.

These nutrients also assist in reducing the risk of bowel disorders, constipation, bloating, and other gastrointestinal cancers such as gastric ulcers.

2. Prevents Neurodegenerative Disease

Ofada rice enhances cognitive reasoning and prevents neurodegenerative diseases — health conditions that affect the neurons like Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.

According to research, the content of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) found in germinated brown rice like Ofada helps calm the nerves thereby preventing these diseases.

3. Lowers Bad Cholesterol Level

Ofada should be added to your diet if you wish to let go of those high cholesterols due to their selenium content. Low cholesterol in the body means a healthy heart which eventually results in a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Ofada also helps keep diabetes in control. A study has proven that its low glycemic index controls blood glucose levels thereby reducing the risk of diabetes.

4. Strengthens the Bone

There is a large amount of folate, zinc, magnesium and phosphorus in Ofada. All of these nutrients play an essential role in building and maintaining healthy and strong bones in the body.

Ofada is equally recommended to avoid bone-related diseases.