WHAT IS THE ONLY GRAIN NATIVE TO NORTH AMERICA?

Did you know that wild rice is actually the only grain native to North America? And guess what! It is actually a grass. Here is a bit of info on wild rice. Originally, uncultivated wild rice grew in the wetlands and was hand-harvested by canoe in the Great Lakes regions of the United States and Canada. There are certain places where it still grows uncultivated. But it is now cultivated in Oregon and California. The cultivated isn't quite as good as the wild but it still quite tasty.

It takes longer to cook wild rice than it does other types as the wild rice contains the bran, endosperm, and germ. Even after cooking it remains chewy and has a nutty taste. To cook wild rice, cook for 45 minutes to an hour in lots of boiling water. One cup raw makes about 3 1/2 cups when cooked. Wild rice tastes best when combined with brown rice and I like mushrooms in mine.

Why not make wild rice one of the grains you add to your diet (if you aren't already doing so)?

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WHY GET RID OF WHITE RICE?

If you follow this blog at all you will know I am constantly telling you to rid your pantry of white rice. This is especially important for diabetics but should apply to everyone.  If you are wondering why, here is your answer: White rice starts out as a whole grain of rice (yes, a healthy whole grain) but it is polished until just the endosperm is left. Basically, the endosperm is an easily digestible starch bomb and that is not healthy for your body. Studies have shown that eating white rice in large quantities or often can significantly raise blood glucose levels. This can cause weight gain and may lead to diabetes and the health problems it causes. No need to avoid rice in your diet, just give up the ultra polished white rice. You can switch to brown rice in your recipes and most will never notice the difference.

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MAKE A COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE YOUR DIET - PART III

You can cut back on starchy foods like potatoes, pasta, etc in soups and casseroles by substituting part of the amount called for with cooked barley, brown rice, etc.  Also use raw oats or cooked barley or cooked brown rice as a substitute for crackers or bread in meatloaf.  If you really prefer bread crumbs in meatballs and meatloaf, be sure you use whole-grain crumbs.  This is another simple change to make that is so easy to make yet so beneficial to you!

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DID YOU KNOW?

• Brown rice has almost three times the fiber as does white rice.
• In general, the darker the produce, the higher the nutrient value. 

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