White rice is a staple food of every Filipino and is present in almost every meal. Unfortunately, it is not the healthiest of grains. It is full of simple carbohydrates (carbs) and low on fiber, making its glycemic index high. This only means that its carbs are quickly converted into blood sugar, which is bad specially for diabetics. It can also increase your risk of type-2 diabetes by at least 11%, or worsen it if you already have it. It can also cause weight gain, and increase your risk factors for high blood pressure and high triglyceride levels.
But for us Filipinos, rice is life! It would be hard to give it up, especially since we combine it with our favorite viands like beef mechado and chicken adobo. Parting with white rice, put simply, will leave a large, rice-shaped void in any Filipino’s heart, including yours most likely. Regardless, it is a choice that has to be made if you really want to live a healthy lifestyle.
There is some good news nonetheless: Duru Bulgur is now available on local shores. A staple grain in Turkey, Duru (literally “pure and clean”) Bulgur is the most practical alternative to white rice that will help you ease your breakup with an all-time Filipino favorite.
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