Parboiled rice is the most popular form of rice consumed in different parts of the world. Approximately over 50% of the paddy cultivation worldwide is treated in this manner to enhance the nutrition contents and ease out the processing. This kind of rice variety is also called converted rice for the processing that it goes through before the removal of the husk and the bran. This sort of treatment not only makes the husk removal an easy affair but it raises the quality of the rice making it rich in fiber content, vital carbohydrate nutrition, essential vitamins and vital minerals.
What is Parboiled Rice?
Considering the similarities with the plain white rice in terms of appearance many a times people come up with the question- What is Parboiled Rice? Parboiled riceis treated rice which undergoes a series of processes before it is sent for husk removal, bran extraction and polishing. The rice that is not polished with the remains of the brownish bran covering left is called the regular brown rice which is a good source of fiber and beneficial for people taking up weight loss programs.
Parboiled Rice Processing
There are three vital steps involved in the treatment of Parboiled rice-
Soaking: In this process the paddy is soaked inhot or cold water. Soaking is generally done in hot water nowadays, to reduce the time consumption. In traditional methods cold water was used that took more than 36 hours before it is sent for steaming.
Steaming: The steaming process involves boiling of the soaked husk in water until the husk becomes soft and the rice swells enough to come out.
Drying: In the drying process the water is drained properly and dried often under vacuum pressure.
The converted rice processed through modern techniques is yellowish in appearance and reduces the chances of breaking.
Benefits of Eating Parboiled rice
The parboiled rice contains about 80% of the nutrition present in brown rice. Having mineral contents such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and iron; the daily consumption of this rice accounts for 2% to 3 % of the required amount. This treated rice is a rich source of Vitamin B which is considered a good regulator of metabolism in the body. It is rich in niacin- B3, thiamine- B1, B-6 etc. The converted rice is a rich source of fiber that helps to keep the bowel movement in the right order. The rice is a good source of carbohydrate that fulfills the daily requirement of energy.
What is Parboiled Rice Disadvantages?
During the traditional processing Parboiled rice may develop mycotoxins that can lead to health complications due to continuous consumption. Rice is a good source of antioxidants which are lost during the processing. Converted rice is very high in calorie content and hence is not suitable for regular consumption by obese people or those going through any weight loss programs. Eating this rice during the lunch session can bestow sleepiness and afternoon naps and lethargy in work. Rich in sugar content this rice is not recommended for people with diabetic ailments.
