Germinated brown rice facts for kids
Germinated brown rice (often called GBR) is a special kind of brown rice. It's brown rice that has started to sprout a tiny bit. This sprouting process makes the rice taste better and feel softer when you eat it. It also boosts some of the healthy stuff inside, like a nutrient called GABA.
GBR is popular in Japan and Korea. Many people find it easier to eat than regular brown rice, especially kids, because it's not as chewy.
How is Germinated Brown Rice Made?
Making germinated brown rice is quite simple. You soak regular brown rice in warm water for about 4 to 20 hours. The water should be around 30 to 40 degrees Celsius (which is about 86 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit).
During this soaking time, you might need to change the water a few times. This helps keep it fresh and prevents any bad smells. After soaking, you rinse the rice well before cooking it.
This soaking and rinsing process kick-starts the germination (sprouting) of the rice. When the rice starts to sprout, it wakes up different natural chemicals called enzymes. These enzymes help to create more good things in the rice, like a wider range of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. One important nutrient that increases is called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a natural compound that can help calm your brain.
Why is GBR Good for You?
Germinated brown rice has several health benefits. Because it's sprouted, it often has more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than regular brown rice.
The increase in GABA is one of the main reasons people choose GBR. GABA is known to help reduce stress and improve sleep. Also, the sprouting process can make the nutrients in the rice easier for your body to absorb.
GBR is also softer and less chewy than plain brown rice. This makes it a great choice for people who find regular brown rice too tough. It's especially good for younger children or anyone who prefers a softer texture.
Where Can You Find Germinated Brown Rice?
You can easily make germinated brown rice at home using regular brown rice. However, in Japan, germinated brown rice has been sold ready-to-cook since 1995. It usually costs a bit more than ordinary rice.
In 2004, people in Japan bought about 15,000 tonnes (which is 15,000,000 kilograms!) of germinated brown rice. This was worth about 15 billion Japanese Yen (¥). This shows how popular GBR has become as a healthy and tasty food choice.
