As we strive to make better food choices, it’s important to educate ourselves on the nutritional information of the food we consume.
Cahokia Rice, as a non-GMO crop that is naturally higher in protein content was recently rated as a Low Glycemic Index product.
Benefits of Whole Grains
Individuals who want to avoid diabetes or manage their insulin levels are often advised to go easy on carb intake. Why? Because most of the carbs we consume are made from refined grains or the starchy, carbohydrate-rich part of grains we know and love.
It tastes good, but it’s also devoid of most of the nutrients and fiber that make whole grains good for you. Some refined grains are enriched with nutrients, but their nutritional content will never be like their whole-grain counterpart.
Whole grains include the bran and germ instead of only the endosperm which we are more familiar with. These grains are more nutritious, with more fiber, Vitamin E, B6, and magnesium.
Whole grains also have a much lower Glycemic Index. This means they are absorbed and metabolized by the body slower, help you feel full longer, and keep your insulin levels from rising suddenly after a meal.
What is Glycemic Index?
In simpler terms, Glycemic Index grades carbs on their ability to increase the levels of glucose in your blood in a specific period of time, more or less two hours. Be warned, however, that a lower Glycemic Index does not necessarily mean you can consume more of that particular food than its high GI counterpart. You still need to consider the total carbs and calories consumed.
When we eat or drink, the carbs in the food we consume are metabolized into glucose. It is then transported via the bloodstream throughout the body for energy.
At the same time, insulin is produced by the pancreas. The insulin hormone then transports sugar or glucose into the cells from the blood to be utilized as energy. Glucose is an important energy source for the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
When there is excess glucose, it is converted into glycogen, which serves as "stored energy" and fuels cells when the body is in a fasted state or when we need a boost of energy especially when you're moving or engaging in strenuous exercise.
Carbs that are metabolized slowly like oats and other whole grains like Cahokia Rice release glucose slowly into the bloodstream. The response of blood glucose is flatter on the graph and slower. Because of this, foods with a low Glycemic Index such as Cahokia Rice make you feel full for longer periods and help you avoid unnecessary snacking.
Generally, choosing the whole grain or high fiber counterpart of any food means choosing the one with a lower GI.
Cahokia Rice Benefits: Clinically Proven Low GI
INQUIS Clinical Research has confirmed another Cahokia Rice benefit which we are happy to announce.
The Glycemic Index of Cahokia White Rice was determined using the ISO standard procedure and found that it is 41±9, which categorizes it as a Low GI food.
For your reference, the following are food varieties with different Glycemic Index categories:
- Low Glycemic Index (below 55) — Cahokia White Rice, beans, soy products, fruits, milk, pasta, whole grains, lentils, and oats
- Medium GI (55 to 70) — whole wheat bread, basmati or long-grain rice, natural honey, and orange juice
- High GI (more than 70) — white rice, bread, sweet potatoes, short-grain rice
From these examples alone, you can see that Cahokia Rice has more benefits than other varieties.
This means that other than its existing nutritional content you already enjoy such as high fiber and high protein content, Cahokia Rice is proven to be slowly digested, helping you feel fuller for longer, and preventing the sudden increase of glucose in your blood.
Why Do You Need to Manage Blood Sugar Levels?
Prolonged increased levels of blood glucose and sudden spikes are highly likely to cause a variety of complications.
Here are the most common symptoms of high blood sugar levels:
- Numb or tingling feet
- Feeling thirstier than usual
- Feeling hungrier than normal
- Blurred vision
- Having to pee more than normal
There is also the risk of slow healing from injuries, especially open wounds.
When not managed properly, above-normal blood sugar levels can lead to life-long skin conditions, eye diseases, nerve complications, and kidney damage. At its worst, it can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular diseases like a stroke or a heart attack.
Thankfully, you can avoid many of these issues by making sure that your blood sugar is properly managed and within the normal range.
For one, you can start by making healthier choices in your diet. Replace white rice or bread with brown rice or with whole-grain counterparts such as Cahokia Rice. Consult your doctor to have your glucose levels checked and receive proper advice for diet and exercise. If necessary, your doctor might prescribe maintenance medication you should take diligently.
You can purchase glucose testing kits or have them checked regularly along with other vital numbers to stay healthy. Regular checkups are also encouraged so any problems can be detected and corrected in its early stages.
Other Benefits of Cahokia Rice
Cahokia Rice is a carb option that is not only good for you but good for the environment. It’s non-GMO and its name is taken from the Cahokia Tribe of the Native Americans who were the first sustainable farmers.
This commitment is maintained in order to maintain environmentally friendly practices and minimize the amount of water and fertilizer used to grow healthy and nutritious crops.
Cahokia Rice is high in fiber, high in protein, and has a low Glycemic Index. In particular, it contains 60% more protein than traditional rice varieties. It also has a unique flavor and texture that consumers find very satisfying.
Once you’ve tried Cahokia Rice, available in White Rice and Brown Rice varieties, you will want to continue eating it for the rest of your life.
Premium rice is grown with the best practices so you can stay healthy for longer.