Food is a primary source of for energy but it could have both positive and negative effects to our body. There are several foods that we think are healthy; however, it may not be as healthy as we think. There are also foods and beverages that are a paradox to our health; such as drinking a small amount alcohol could decrease the risk of having heart attacks but it could also increase the chances of having breast cancer.

The grain rice is always present in meals for several individuals around the world especially for people with an Asian heritage. It is believed to be a health food and that it would always complete a meal. But does it? There are several facts that could be disturbing rice lovers around the world. Here are some of the facts that you should know about rice.

• Rice is like sugar. Some people might not know it but eating rice is one of the major causes of diabetes. Rice after it is digested would be then transformed into sugar. A bowl of rice is equivalent to ten teaspoons of sugar in terms of calories. Even the brown rice that contains several vitamins and minerals has also the same caloric value of ten teaspoons of sugar.

• Rice can increase the risk of having high blood pressure. Due to the tasteless quality of rice, rice eaters would tend to eat more salty foods and products. Salt, soy sauces and ketchups enable us to flavor the rice which is harmful for our health.

• Eating rice could cause rice eaters to drink less water. It is a hidden fact about rice; big time rice eaters don't drink as much water as others do. It is not ideal to drink less than 6 to 8 glasses of water. Rice could also simulate our cravings to take high sugared beverages such as sodas and shakes.

• Rice contains carbohydrates and is low on sodium; however, it is also preventing the absorption of important vitamins, minerals and nutrients such as iron and zinc in our bodies.

• Rice is not meant for our bodies. Humans don't possess t the right amount of enzymes to break down the rice. Our bodies haven't evolved for thirty thousand years which means that we should not be eating rice or we should minimize eating it. Cavemen even ate raw fish, fruits, vegetables, meat and nuts and never have they eaten cooked rice.

• There are six billion rice eaters all over the world and a regular rice eater would consume at least 300 pounds of cooked rice in a single year. Majority of those rice eaters are located in Asian countries. Approximately, 90 percent of the citizens in those countries are rice eaters.

• Rice has no fiber, especially the white rice. The brown rice might be rich in fiber but it still has lots of sugar content in it.

Rice is somewhat unhealthy for our bodies so we might as well minimize eating it. Take lean meats and fish instead; also, increase your fruits and vegetable intake.