Rice consumers are up for treats with healthy ways of eating rice at major food establishments in Metro Manila during the Rice Mix Day, Nov 21.
As part of the country`s celebration of National Rice Awareness Month, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and members of Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines will serve rice mixed with corn, adlai, camote or other staples to help consumers get more nutrients.
Hazel V. Antonio, activity lead, said mixing rice with corn is healthier because this blend is richer in dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamins A, B6, and C than plain rice.
Dr. Artemio M. Salazar, research professor in the College of Agriculture in University of the Philippines said that rice mixed with corn reduces the risks of diabetes.
“We usually eat rice three times a day. Each meal will take two hours before we digest and turn into glucose. If the glucose did not burn into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), it can heighten one`s risk of having diabetes. Eating food items low in glycemic index like corn, brown rice, and other staples can lessen the risk of diabetes. Moreover, low GI foods help delay hunger pangs and promote weight loss in overweight people,” he explained.
About 50 food establishments in the Metro joined the Rice Mix Day while more than 80 hotels and restaurants participated in the Brown Rice Day, Nov. 14.
A simultaneous nationwide Run4Riceponsibility will also be held in Nov 29 to encourage public to live a healthy lifestyle on consuming healthy rice.
