Northern Wild Rice Nutritional Profile
The grain of northern wild rice is a great source of nutrition, especially when compared to other grains, such as corn, white rice, and wheat.
- Heart healthy
- Great for the digestive system
- Gluten-Free
- High in protein
- Rich in antioxidants
- Almost a complete protein
- Proteins are molecules made up of amino acid chains joined by peptide bonds. They are essential for the growth and maintenance of our bodies and are used in many cell processes.
- Carbohydrates are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. In the body, carbs are broken down into simple sugars that can be converted into usable energy by the hormone insulin.
- Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate produced by plants that can not be broken down by humans. Fiber has been shown to help with digestion, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes.
- Lipids include fats, waxes, and steroids. The body uses lipids for energy storage, protection of sensitive areas, and to build hormones that are used in cellular signaling.
Compared to white or brown rice, Northern wild rice grain has
- 2x the protein content
- Higher lipid content
- Higher dietary fiber
*no nutritional differences have been identified between cultivated and hand-harvested wild rice
References
Anderson, JW (1990) Dietary Fiber and Human Health. HortScience HortSci 25, 1488–1495.