GABA Rice - On Top of the Healthy Rice Pyramid

White vs Brown

Most people know that brown rice is better for you than white rice as it contains more protein and nutrients than white rice.  However, most people aren't aware of just why brown rice has so many more nutrients. The reason behind this is simple.  Most of the nutrients contained in brown rice lies between the brown outer layer and the white inner layer.  White rice is really brown rice that has been polished by removing the brown outer layer as well as the inner layer where all the nutrients are.   

In 2004, the United Nations did a study of rice and discovered a way to make brown rice even more nutritious and healthy than it already was by germinating the rice. Germinated brown rice is known as GABA or GBR rice and has twice the nutrients as brown rice and more than 10 times the nutrients of white rice.

Health Benefits of GABA Rice 

GABA Rice

GABA rice has many health benefits.  Not only is this rice loaded with essential vitamins, B, C, E, dietary fiber, phytic acid, but the amount of gamma amiobutyric acid (thus the GABA) is increased.

Studies show that GABA rice may help prevent various health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, and certain types of cancer as well as helping you to control your body weight or even lose weight.

How GABA Rice Is Made

GABA rice is made by soaking brown rice in warm water for up to three days until the rice germinates. Once the rice is germinated, you cook it exactly like you would normal brown rice, with the added nutrients and health benefits. Cooked GABA rice is slightly softer than normal brown rice and has a wonderful taste.

Buying GABA Rice 

There are a number of different places where you can purchase GABA rice.  Many health stores carry this rice, as do many Asian markets.  You can also purchase this rice from any number of online stores and there are even brands of this rice sold on sites such as Amazon.  However, one should be prepared to spend a good amount of money for this rice as GABA rice is quite expensive.  8 ounces of this rice (1 cup) may cost around $3.00, which make this rice beyond the budget of many people in today's economy.

Making GABA Rice at Home

For those who want the health benefits of GABA rice, but can't afford to purchase this rice, you can make it yourself from that package of brown rice that may be sitting in your kitchen cupboard.  All you really need is brown rice, water, and a light bulb or hot plate that has a warm setting and a little time and effort.

You begin by rinsing the brown rice two or three times. Then add between ½ inch to ¾ inch of water to the rice and set it on the hot plate or under the light bulb.  Every 6 hours you will need to drain off the warm water in the rice and add more warm water.  The water and rice will have a slightly unpleasant smell but, this is normal, The odor will disappear once the rice has germinated and is cooked.

Depending on the temperature of the water, it will take the rice anywhere from 20 hours to 3 days to germinate.  When you see little sprouts appear at one end of the rice kernel, you know that germination has taken place.  You then drain off the water for the last time and cook the rice just like you would normally cook brown rice.

Here is a three-minute video by TheCoconutMomma on how to sprout or germinate brown rice.

GABA Rice in a Rice Cooker  

Zojirushi-NS-YAC10/18 Umami GABA Rice Cooker

There is an alternative shortcut to germinating brown rice in your basement. A high-end rice cooker by a Japanese household appliance manufacturer, Zojirushi, will do the trick in a few short hours. For more information on how the rice cooker can germinate the brown rice and cook it to perfection, please check out Zojirushi NS-YAC10/18 Umami Rice Cooker.

With all the health benefits of GABA rice, it may be well worth adding it to your normal healthy diet.