There is plenty to choose from at airport kiosks these days, so why tote a sprouted brown rice salad? It’s just one more item in the carry-on. But what if it included potent B vitamins, enzymes that boost brain function and gamma-aminobutric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that can relax the mind and regulate, well, your entire body? Sounds tempting, but yes, brown rice takes so long to cook. A sprouted brown rice salad has it all and cooks in half the time of ordinary rice.
Sprouted brown rice, also know as hatsuga genmai in Japan, is different then regular brown rice because it has been allowed to soak or germinate, therefore obtaining more GABA. The process has the ability to block an enzyme until conditions are right for sprouting. GABA helps calm the nerves, so the salad is wonderful for a flight snack, due to its anti-anxiety properties.It nourishes the nervous system. GABA increases alpha brain waves, which produce dominant activity in the brain for relaxation and clearing the mind. Historically, rice was put in open air bins to germinate naturally, but after industrialization of grains, the process was deleted.
Vitamins, like B12 and B6 are boosted due to the germination. Calcium and magnesium also increase their potentcy. Sprouted brown rice packs a punch with protein and fiber. The flavor of the delicate grain is sweeter with more texture, perfect for any salad mix.
Sprouting rice is a simple task and can be done at home. Natural food stores also carry germinated brown rice.
It’s fun to play with different ingredients using sprouted brown rice, but one of my favorites is using a sesame oil, soy sauce dressing. Add ingredients that play with bitter, salty and sweet flavors and you’ve got one awesome salad ready to pack.
Sprouted brown rice, pomogranate and coconut salad
2 cups of brown rice
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pomogranate seeds
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, shelled lightly salted
1/2 cup low fat feta
1/2 cup organic flaked coconut
Dressing
1 Tbsp. grapeseed oil
1 Tbsp. sesame oil
1 tsp. agave nectar
1 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
1 tsp. minced ginger
Blend dressing ingredients together. Add rice, berries and seeds, nuts, coconut and feta. Mix well and marinate for an hour before serving. makes 4-6 servings.
Sources:
www.naturalnews.com: nutrient germinated rice
www.alive.com:go for GABA; Michael Murray, N.D.
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