Mom Always Said to Eat Your Veggies, but What About Your Whole Grains?

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Mom always told us to eat our veggies, but she rarely reminded us about our whole grains. That was before Mom -- and the rest of us -- knew about the healthfulness of whole grain foods. Naturally nutritious whole grains have the entire grain intact and help reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, type II diabetes and potentially aid in weight maintenance. Whole grains also contain phytonutrients, trace minerals, and more fiber than their enriched counterparts. What better time to celebrate eating whole grains than during the first-ever National Whole Grains Month. And what better choice than 100 percent whole grain brown rice, a versatile, great-tasting and familiar whole grain that partners well with other healthy foods.

"September is the first-ever National Whole Grains Month, and it's a great time for everyone to get on the whole grains bandwagon," said Cynthia Harriman director of food and nutrition strategies at the Whole Grains Council. "Eating better is not an all-or-nothing choice; every little improvement helps. We are proud to be celebrating alongside all our members, including the USA Rice Federation who are so active in spreading the word about the importance of including whole grains like brown rice in the diet."

September is also National Rice Month and the USA Rice Federation wants to remind Americans about the healthy goodness of this global staple. Dating back over 5,000 years, rice is an ancient cereal grain that sustains more than half of the world's population. Rice, which provides energy, carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidant phytonutrients and vitamins and minerals that are essential for life, is the perfect foundation for today's healthier eating.

"Brown Rice is a 100% whole grain that is familiar to consumers," said Anne Banville, vice president of domestic promotion, USA Rice Federation. "With National Rice Month and the first-ever National Whole Grains Month this September, it's a good time to point out how easy and beneficial it is to include enriched and whole grains like white and brown rice in a healthy diet."

U.S. grown rice is widely available, easy to prepare, and costs just a few cents per serving. Rice companies have stepped up the convenience factor with quicker cooking and ready-to-eat versions of this kitchen staple. And, you can follow Mom's advice about the veggies too because rice combines well with other healthy foods like vegetables, as well as lean meats, seafood, beans and soyfoods. Here are just a few more reasons to include both enriched white and 100 percent whole grain brown in a healthy diet:

-- The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid recommend eating three or more servings of whole grain foods per day with the remaining grain servings coming from either enriched or whole grain foods, like whole grain brown rice and enriched white rice -- One cup of cooked brown rice equals two of the three recommended daily whole grain servings. -- U.S. grown white rice is a wholesome choice to meet your grain intake requirements; it is enriched with the important nutrients niacin, thiamin and iron and fortified with folic acid -- With an average of 100 calories, each half-cup serving of cooked rice equals one grain serving -- Rice is a complex carbohydrate that is naturally sodium-, gluten- and cholesterol-free and contains no saturated or trans fats -- Rice is highly digestible and non-allergenic and can be enjoyed by young and old alike, including individuals who are sensitive or intolerant to gluten -- A recent Iowa State University study found that people who eat rice have healthier diets overall because they eat more fruits and vegetables, consume less added sugar and fat, and are likely to have a lower body mass index than non-rice eaters -- Rice can be a time-saver -- rice cookers offer no-tend preparation and complete meals can be prepared using them

The USA Rice Federation is the national advocate for all segments of the rice industry, conducting programs to build awareness and usage of U.S.-grown rice. Arkansas, California, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Missouri produce high-quality varieties of short, medium and long grain rice, as well as specialty rices including jasmine, basmati, arborio, red aromatic and black japonica, among others.

The recipe below partners whole grain rice with chicken and broccoli. A perfect meal to celebrate National Rice Month and Whole Grains Month! For more recipes and information about rice, log on to www.usarice.com. For more information about whole grains, visit www.wholegrainscouncil.org.

BROWN RICE 'N' BROCCOLI CHICKEN Yield: Makes 6 servings. -- 1 cup uncooked brown rice -- 2 tablespoons soy sauce -- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, blanched -- 2 cups cooked chicken breast cubes -- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided -- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted -- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper -- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder -- Pinch ground nutmeg

Cook rice according to package directions, substituting soy sauce for 2 tablespoons water.

Combine cooked rice, broccoli, chicken, 1/2 cup cheese, almonds, black pepper, garlic powder and nutmeg in large bowl. Place in greased 3-quart baking dish or in individual greased baking dishes. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake at 350 degrees 20 to 25 minutes.

Press Contacts for the USA Rice Federation: Melissa McAllister Pollock Communications 646-277-8711 mmcallister@pollock-pr.com Kevin Hughes Pollock Communications 646-277-8720 khughes@pollock-pr.com Anne Banville USA Rice Federation 703-236-1465 abanville@usarice.com

USA Rice Federation

CONTACT: Melissa McAllister, Pollock Communications, +1-646-277-8711,
mmcallister@pollock-pr.com ; or Kevin Hughes, Pollock Communications,
+1-646-277-8720, khughes@pollock-pr.com ; or Anne Banville, USA Rice
Federation, +1-703-236-1465, abanville@usarice.com

Web site: http://www.pollock-pr.com/
http://www.usarice.com/
http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org/