Recent findings suggest it may reduce diabetes risk
Brown rice may be something you have never tried or wouldn’t typically buy; it may also receive a few crinkled noses from the kids. But that tiny brown grain of rice might do more for you and your family’s health than you imagine. Wholegrain brown rice has been a standout in the crowd lately, with two recent scientific studies finding a special compound in brown rice may help guard against high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Retaining the bran and germ, brown rice contains more nutrients and fibre than white, however both brown and white varieties of rice both contain essential vitamins and minerals, including B-group vitamins such as thiamine and niacin, zinc and phosphorus. Brown rice is a wholegrain food, as are mixed-grain breads, wholegrain breakfast cereals, rolled oats, wholemeal pasta, corn and popcorn.
One cup of brown rice contains around 2.4g of dietary fibre, which equates to around 10% of an adults daily fibre needs and around 80g of wholegrains, which is close to double the suggested daily wholegrain intake. In the absence of an official government recommendation for wholegrains intake, Go Grains Health & Nutrition has reviewed the research and suggests all Australian adults aim for 48g of wholegrains per day.
An excellent source of energy, rice is full of energy-giving carbohydrates - used by the body for brain performance, physical activity and everyday bodily functions including growth and repair. Rice is low in fat, cholesterol free (as are all plant foods) and virtually salt free with less than 5mg of sodium per 100g is therefore great for those who need to watch their salt intake.
A new study has just been published that analysed diet, lifestyle and disease data collected from 39,765 men and 157,463 women from 3 large cohort studies; the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and the Nurses Health Study I and II. The researchers found people who ate high amounts of white rice also enjoyed plenty of fruits and vegetables, but not many wholegrains, cereal fibre and (bad) trans fats. Those people who enjoyed brown rice were more likely to be health conscious; more physically active, leaner and less likely to smoke or have a family history of diabetes and had higher intake of fruits, vegetables and wholegrains and lower intakes of red meat and trans fats. After adjustments were made, more than two servings of brown rice a week was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Due to low intakes of brown rice amongst the study participants it remains unclear whether higher intakes of brown rice are associated with further disease reductions. Nonetheless the researchers found simply switching white rice for brown rice was associated with a significantly lower risk of developing diabetes. The researchers also looked at wholegrain consumption overall and found stronger associations when analysing wholegrains as a group, rather than brown rice on its own.
Brown rice can be cooked the same way as white rice in the pot, in the microwave or a rice cooker usually for just a little bit longer. You can now even buy microwave pouches – great for the lunch box, workplace or a quick meal for one or two. Next time you are having rice for dinner, why not give brown rice a go. You may find you actually like the tastier, slightly more nutty version, especially now you know how much better it is for you. If you need help acquiring the taste, mix half white with half brown rice, cooking separately of course.
Sources
Qi et al, White Rice, Brown Rice, and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in US Men and Women, Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(11):961-969
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Nutrition and the young athlete
Fuelling the school age athlete for optimal performance
Good eating and drinking practices are important for growing children, particularly when they are active and participating in sports. Kids who are constantly active need to eat and drink regularly to ensure that their energy and hydration levels are maintained. Children who eat healthy well balanced meals, will be better nourished and be able to play better, stay mentally alert, and recover quickly from training and competition. Those who eat too little may become tired and sluggish and be at risk of under nutrition, which may result in poor growth and delayed development.
Providing kids with quality, variety and adequate nutrition is key to keeping them mentally alert for school and physical activities throughout the day.
Daily Requirements
Energy
A young athlete’s energy requirements will vary from child to child depending on their activity levels. As a general guide however, energy intake during the day should be made up of:
- 55-58% from carbohydrates
- 12-15% from protein
- 25-30% from fat
Young athletes who exercise strenuously for more than 60 – 90 minutes a day may need to increase their energy intake, in particular from carbohydrate sources, to 65-70% of energy intake.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are an important source of fuel for the body and restricting carbohydrates in the diet is not recommended, particularly for athletes, as it may compromise their performance. Carbohydrate containing foods such as fruit, vegetables, dairy products (milk and yoghurt), legumes and grain-based foods should form the basis of an athlete’s diet. A healthy diet should include at least four serves of grain-based foods each day, preferably wholegrain, such as bread and cereals, rice, pasta and noodles.
Protein
Protein is needed to build and repair muscles and plays an important role in recovery after training. Protein rich foods include, fish, lean red meat and poultry, dairy products, nuts and eggs.
Fluids
Kids often wait till they are thirsty before they drink fluids so it is important to ensure they are adequately hydrated. Dehydration can impair sports performance, decreasing strength, energy and coordination. Water is the best choice for fluids every day however, other fluids such as fruit juice or sports drinks could be used occasionally during prolonged activity. Sports drinks are generally required in situations of prolonged strenuous exercise where there is likely to be more than 2% loss of body weight due to sweating. High sugar drinks such as soft drinks should be avoided, especially after exercise.
Energy drinks contain caffeine levels twice that found in a standard cup of coffee. There is no safe level of caffeine consumption for children. It is recommended that primary aged school children do not consume drinks which contain caffeine, while high school children should limit their intake. Caffeine can cause increased anxiety, sleep disturbances and increased blood pressure, with withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, tiredness and irritability.
Vitamin, Mineral & Sports Supplements:
An athlete’s vitamin and mineral needs are generally met by a nutritionally adequate diet. Vitamin and mineral supplements are only of benefit if a diet is inadequate or if there is a diagnosed deficiency. They should not be taken to enhance performance as they can have side effects.
Sports nutrition supplements should not be seen as the main focus of any athletes’ training. Few sports supplements have credible good scientific evidence but, it is for well trained fully developed athletes. Their safety of use is not known in the adolescent age group due to the lack of research undertaken in this area.
Sports Activity Energy Eating Requirements
More than 2 hours before exercise - children should eat a carbohydrate rich meal such as sandwiches, bread rolls, baked beans on toast, pasta, rice, noodles, cereal and milk or fresh fruit.
One to two hours before exercise - children should drink fluids and eat a light snack such as a sandwich, fresh fruit or a reduced fat dairy snack such as yoghurt or custard.
Two to three hours after exercise - children should drink lots of fluid and eat carbohydrate rich foods such as cereals, pasta, bread varieties, rice or noodle dishes with stir fry meat and vegetables, sandwiches, legumes, fruit or fruit juice.
Points to Remember
• Ensure children are well hydrated before, during and after a sports event to prevent overheating. Water is the best choice for fluids every day.
• Foods should be appealing to children, so offer a variety of nutritious foods.
• Aim for at least four serves of grain-based foods each day. Grain-based foods include bread and cereals, rice, pasta and noodles.
• Involve children with the preparation of meals, this will not only be fun, it will encourage them to eat foods they have helped to prepare and teach them valuable cooking skills.
• Snacking is an important tool for managing hunger for children. The key is to snack on healthy foods that provide nutrition and energy, in particular towards the end of a busy day.
• Include snacks such as fresh fruit, vegetable sticks, dairy foods and bread varieties (multi-grain breads, wholemeal pitas and wholegrain rolls). Try crispbreads (low fat and salt varieties), muffins, crumpets, rice cakes, and homemade pizzas.
• Have a selection of healthy food snacks on hand, during and after sporting events.
• Perishable foods should be packed between cold items to ensure they are kept cool and safe. Pack a frozen water bottle or ice brick with food.
Sources:
The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. 2003. Commonwealth of Australia
Fuelling and Cooling the Junior Athlete. 2008. Sports Dietitians Australia
Feeding Your Child Athlete. 2008. KidsHealth
Sporting Performance and Food. Vol 2. 2007. Everyday Health.
Good eating and drinking practices are important for growing children, particularly when they are active and participating in sports. Kids who are constantly active need to eat and drink regularly to ensure that their energy and hydration levels are maintained. Children who eat healthy well balanced meals, will be better nourished and be able to play better, stay mentally alert, and recover quickly from training and competition. Those who eat too little may become tired and sluggish and be at risk of under nutrition, which may result in poor growth and delayed development.
Providing kids with quality, variety and adequate nutrition is key to keeping them mentally alert for school and physical activities throughout the day.
Daily Requirements
Energy
A young athlete’s energy requirements will vary from child to child depending on their activity levels. As a general guide however, energy intake during the day should be made up of:
- 55-58% from carbohydrates
- 12-15% from protein
- 25-30% from fat
Young athletes who exercise strenuously for more than 60 – 90 minutes a day may need to increase their energy intake, in particular from carbohydrate sources, to 65-70% of energy intake.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are an important source of fuel for the body and restricting carbohydrates in the diet is not recommended, particularly for athletes, as it may compromise their performance. Carbohydrate containing foods such as fruit, vegetables, dairy products (milk and yoghurt), legumes and grain-based foods should form the basis of an athlete’s diet. A healthy diet should include at least four serves of grain-based foods each day, preferably wholegrain, such as bread and cereals, rice, pasta and noodles.
Protein
Protein is needed to build and repair muscles and plays an important role in recovery after training. Protein rich foods include, fish, lean red meat and poultry, dairy products, nuts and eggs.
Fluids
Kids often wait till they are thirsty before they drink fluids so it is important to ensure they are adequately hydrated. Dehydration can impair sports performance, decreasing strength, energy and coordination. Water is the best choice for fluids every day however, other fluids such as fruit juice or sports drinks could be used occasionally during prolonged activity. Sports drinks are generally required in situations of prolonged strenuous exercise where there is likely to be more than 2% loss of body weight due to sweating. High sugar drinks such as soft drinks should be avoided, especially after exercise.
Energy drinks contain caffeine levels twice that found in a standard cup of coffee. There is no safe level of caffeine consumption for children. It is recommended that primary aged school children do not consume drinks which contain caffeine, while high school children should limit their intake. Caffeine can cause increased anxiety, sleep disturbances and increased blood pressure, with withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, tiredness and irritability.
Vitamin, Mineral & Sports Supplements:
An athlete’s vitamin and mineral needs are generally met by a nutritionally adequate diet. Vitamin and mineral supplements are only of benefit if a diet is inadequate or if there is a diagnosed deficiency. They should not be taken to enhance performance as they can have side effects.
Sports nutrition supplements should not be seen as the main focus of any athletes’ training. Few sports supplements have credible good scientific evidence but, it is for well trained fully developed athletes. Their safety of use is not known in the adolescent age group due to the lack of research undertaken in this area.
Sports Activity Energy Eating Requirements
More than 2 hours before exercise - children should eat a carbohydrate rich meal such as sandwiches, bread rolls, baked beans on toast, pasta, rice, noodles, cereal and milk or fresh fruit.
One to two hours before exercise - children should drink fluids and eat a light snack such as a sandwich, fresh fruit or a reduced fat dairy snack such as yoghurt or custard.
Two to three hours after exercise - children should drink lots of fluid and eat carbohydrate rich foods such as cereals, pasta, bread varieties, rice or noodle dishes with stir fry meat and vegetables, sandwiches, legumes, fruit or fruit juice.
Points to Remember
• Ensure children are well hydrated before, during and after a sports event to prevent overheating. Water is the best choice for fluids every day.
• Foods should be appealing to children, so offer a variety of nutritious foods.
• Aim for at least four serves of grain-based foods each day. Grain-based foods include bread and cereals, rice, pasta and noodles.
• Involve children with the preparation of meals, this will not only be fun, it will encourage them to eat foods they have helped to prepare and teach them valuable cooking skills.
• Snacking is an important tool for managing hunger for children. The key is to snack on healthy foods that provide nutrition and energy, in particular towards the end of a busy day.
• Include snacks such as fresh fruit, vegetable sticks, dairy foods and bread varieties (multi-grain breads, wholemeal pitas and wholegrain rolls). Try crispbreads (low fat and salt varieties), muffins, crumpets, rice cakes, and homemade pizzas.
• Have a selection of healthy food snacks on hand, during and after sporting events.
• Perishable foods should be packed between cold items to ensure they are kept cool and safe. Pack a frozen water bottle or ice brick with food.
Sources:
The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. 2003. Commonwealth of Australia
Fuelling and Cooling the Junior Athlete. 2008. Sports Dietitians Australia
Feeding Your Child Athlete. 2008. KidsHealth
Sporting Performance and Food. Vol 2. 2007. Everyday Health.
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