Rice

According to the treatment method there are different sorts of rice. Brown rice, White rice and Steamed rice. These are different in nutrients and vitamins. Some nations rely heavily on rice and get most of their energy from it, however they often lack of health and not resistant enought for some diseases.

Lets explain all the benefits and disadvantages of different types of rice.

White rice (Polished rice)

This rice after all the stages of polishing. Its grains are smooth and flat surface, the characteristic color of white and translucent, but individual grains can be opaque, because they contain tiny air bubbles. It is the main type of rice consumed in the world. Preparation time of the rice 10-15 minutes, and ready meals of white rice have excellent taste and appearance, however they are mainly depends on species and spices addded to it.

Brown rice

In Asia, brown rice eat mostly children and the elderly, while in Europe and America appreciates their support of healthy lifestyles for the high content of nutrients compared to conventional rice. Brown rice processing

preserves the nutritional shell, which explains its unusual light-brown color. It is much more useful than

white rice, because the lion's share of rice nutrients contained in the grain shell. However, the shelf life of such rice is declining due to the oil conained in the shell.

Steamed rice

Steaming - a special technology of improving the quality characteristics of rice. Raw rice soaked in water and then treated with hot steam under pressure. After that the grain is dried and polished. As a result of steaming grains of rice become amber-yellow hue and become translucent. Steamed rice has its advantages: in the processing of steam up to 80% of vitamins and minerals contained in the rice shell moved into the grain of rice, and the grains become less brittle. Yellow color of the steamed rice disappears at preparation, and it becomes a snow-white, like polished white rice. However cooking time of the steamed rice is 20-25 minutes due the fact that the grains become harder and slower boiled comparing to conventional rice. Steamed grain rice never sticks together after boiling, it also remains the same tasty and crisp, even after re-heating meals.

Conclusion

As you can see, Brown rice is a most healthy choice for your meals. Try to use it instead of white rice.

However if you don't like brown color you can use steamed rice as it rich in vitamins and nutrients too.

It's called "Pica"...Pica is an eating disorder typically defined as the persistent eating of nonnutritive substances for a period of at least 1 month at an age in which this behavior is developmentally inappropriate (eg, >18-24 mo). The definition occasionally is broadened to include the mouthing of nonnutritive substances. Individuals presenting with pica have been reported to mouth and/or ingest a wide variety of nonfood substances, including, but not limited to, clay, dirt, sand, stones, pebbles, hair, feces, lead, laundry starch, vinyl gloves, plastic, pencil erasers, ice, fingernails, paper, paint chips, coal, chalk, wood, plaster, light bulbs, needles, string, and burnt matches.

Although pica is observed most frequently in children, it is the most common eating disorder seen in individuals with developmental disabilities. In some societies, pica is a culturally sanctioned practice and is not considered to be pathologic. Pica may be benign, or it may have life-threatening consequences.

talcum powder,raw rice,blackboard chalk and uncooked flour all have a dry texture,people with pica eat these substances because they have become addicted to it,the way it feels attracts them,the sound the chalk/rice crunches when they chew,etc.None of these rare addictions to these substances have any life theatening dangers.it's okay to eat it,but not to any extreme dosages as "this is all i eat whole day"if u include these things in a normal diet they won't do any intesinal harm as the fibres are digestable to a good extent.

Pica is the obsessive eating and craving of a non-food substance. Although pica can occur in individuals of any background, a higher incidence of pica is associated with:

• pregnancy

• developmental delay and mental retardation

• psychiatric disease and autism

• early childhood

• poor nutrition or low blood levels of iron and other minerals

• certain cultural or religious traditions

Evidence suggests that there may be several causes of pica. One widely held theory points to iron deficiency as a major cause of pica. Several reports have described pica in individuals with documented iron deficiency, although there has been uncertainty as to whether the iron deficiency was a cause of pica or a result of it. Because some substances, such as clay, are believed to block the absorption of iron into the bloodstream, it was thought that low blood levels of iron could be the direct result of pica. However, some studies have shown that pica cravings in individuals with iron deficiency stop once iron supplements are given to correct the deficiency. Another study looked specifically at the rate of iron absorption during pica conditions and normal dietary behavior, and showed that the iron absorption was not decreased by pica. In addition, low blood levels of iron commonly occur in pregnant women and those with poor nutrition, two populations at higher risk for pica. Such findings offer strong support of iron deficiency as a cause, rather than result, of pica.

Other reports suggest that pica may have a psychological basis and may even fall into the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Pica has a higher incidence in populations with an underlying diagnosis involving mental functioning. These diagnoses include psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia, developmental disorders including autism, and conditions with mental retardation. These conditions are not characterized by iron deficiency, which supports a psychological component in the cause of pica.

Cultural and religious traditions may also play a role in pica behavior. In some cultures, non-food substances are believed to have positive health or spiritual effects. Among some African Americans in the south, ingesting a particular kind of white clay is believed to promote health and reduce morning sickness during pregnancy. Other cultures practice pica out of belief that eating a particular substance may promote fertility or bring good luck.

The hallmark feature of pica, consistently consuming non-food substances, often does not present publicly. People may be embarrassed to admit to these unusual eating habits, and may hide it from their family and physician. In other cases, an individual may not report the pica to a physician simply because of a lack of knowledge of pica's potential medical significance.

Because the eating behaviors of pica are not usually detected or reported, it is the complications of the behavior that bring it to attention. Complications vary, depending on the type of pica. Geophagia has potential side effects that most commonly affect the intestine and bowel. Complications can include constipation, cramping, pain, obstruction caused by formation of an indigestible mass, perforation from sharp objects like rocks or gravel, and contamination and infection from soil-dwelling parasites.

Amylophagia usually involves the consumption of cornstarch and, less frequently, laundry starch. The high caloric content of starch can cause excessive weight gain, while at the same time leading to malnutrition, as starch contributes "empty" calories lacking vitamins and minerals. Amylophagia during pregnancy can mimic gestational diabetes in its presentation and even in its potential harmful effects on the fetus.

Pica involving the ingestion of substances such as lead-based paint or paper containing mercury can cause symptoms of toxic poisoning. Compulsive consumption of even a seemingly harmless substance like ice (pagophagia) can have negative side effects, including decreased absorption of nutrients by the gut.

In order for the diagnosis of pica to be made, there must be a history of persistent consumption of a non-food substance continuing for a minimum period of one month. Infants and toddlers are typically excluded from this diagnosis since mouthing objects is a normal developmental behavior at that age. Individuals with mental retardation who function at or below an approximate cognitive level of 18 months may also be exempt form this diagnosis.

Pica is most often diagnosed when a report of such behaviors can be provided by the patient or documented by another individual. In other cases, pica is diagnosed after studies have been performed to assess the presenting symptoms. For example, imaging studies ordered to assess severe gastrointestinal complaints may reveal intestinal blockage with an opaque substance; such a finding is suggestive of pica. Biopsy of intestinal contents can also reveal findings, such as parasitic infection, consistent with pica. Pica may also be suspected if abnormal levels of certain minerals or chemicals are detected in the blood.

Treatment of pica will often depend on the cause and type of pica. Conventional medical treatment may be appropriate in certain situations. For example, supplementation with iron-containing vitamins has been shown to cause the unusual cravings to subside in some iron-deficient patients.

Medical complications and health threats, including high lead levels, bowel perforation or intestinal obstruction, will require additional medical management, beyond addressing the underlying issue of pica.

Because most cases of pica do not have an obvious medical cause, treatment with counseling, education, and nutritional management is often more successful and more appropriate than treatment with medication. Some therapists specializing in eating disorders may have expertise in treating pica.

The prognosis for individuals with pica varies greatly, according to the type and amount of substance ingested, the extent of presenting side effects, and the success of treatment. Many of the side effects and complications of pica can be reversed once the behavior is stopped, while other complications, including infection and bowel perforation, pose significant health threats and if not successfully treated may result in death.

When seen in children, pica behavior tends to lessen with age. However, individuals with a history of pica are more likely to experience it again. Counseling and nutritional education can reduce the risk of recurrence.

There are no known methods of preventing pica. However, once pica is known or suspected, measures can be taken to reduce further ingestion of non-food substances. Removing the particular substance from readily accessible areas can be helpful. Close observation of the individual with pica may limit inappropriate eating behaviors.

Hi, this is a very common proble, and is the same as people who are addicted to eating crunchy, chalky sweets such as refreshers and love hearts. Although eating these (and other sweets) can be linked to low blood sugar problems (the supplement chromium works like magic), it is often related to mineral deficiencies and taking a really good mineral supplement helps. Some good ones are made by quest and solgar as well as maximol by neways (agent sold only).

I think the reason why people like me do such a thing because we love the feeling of a dry plain substance in our mouth, and the taste is wonderful after you get hooked. Its like an addiction to cigarettes, but this is completely harmful

I have been eating talcum powder since I was a child. It has always been more intense during my two pregnancies. I only eat it occasionally, say 2 to 3 times every 3-4 months. Highly perfumed talc doesn't appeal so much but Johnsons is absolutely great. I've never considered it anything like an eating disorder but I have always disliked milk and often wondered if this had created a vitamin deficiency in me. When I eat the talcum powder it is because I have actually been craving it, as if my body is saying to me "your body is deficient in this mineral and you need to eat this now to overcome it" and it works!! I know that there is magnesium in talc maybe I have a deficiency in that?

Talcum powder is toxic, and can cause cancer.

Please see this website: preventcancer (and look at cosmetics talc.)

and please get help immediately if you feel you can't stop eating talc!

While seeing an Alternative Health Practitioner I decided to reveal to her some of my cravings. She helped me to cut out sugar (Suggested Reading: Sugar Blues and Sugar Busters), which was one of the greatest parts of my healing process. Once, I got rid of the Coca Cola (used to clean blood off of highways, can devour a nail used in wood...as well as a whole steak), white rice (very high in sugar), and white bread I immediately started getting treated for my craving. My true craving was raw white flour. Be it weird, as it may seem, the body is one with the earth! Our body carries, or has a lack of many of the same minerals the earth possesses. I found throughout being treated that I had a certain mineral deficiency. After being treated once, the edema in my leg went down, I had more energy, I lost weight, my moodiness changed, and I wasn't craving for raw flour anymore. There is a danger in anything you do in excess, therefore one should use extreme caution and consult a healthcare professional to make them aware of these cravings. Results are going to vary and should not be a deterrent for seeking or continuing treatment.

I think the reason why people like me do such a thing because we love the feeling of a dry, plain substance in our mouth and the taste is wonderful after you get hooked.

At the age of 44 I developed a craving for Argo starch(the lumpy crunchy kind). I could not find it, so I went to the next thing white chalk. Thinking the chalk could not be healthy, I started eating Citracal calcium tablet(the vitamin D tabs were my favorites and only reserved for treats). At my peak I was eating 120 tabs a day(was too expensive). I knew that that much calcium and vitamin D was not good so I spoke to my doctors. The doctors' said my pica was iron deficient generated. When my iron levels are up the cravings lessen. Unfortunately a habit has formed. After a period of nothing I went back to chalk (cheaper). Now I eat chalk when I'm stressed, need comfort or for pure pleasure. I know this ultimately is not good for me and am actively seeking solutions.

I too think that this problem is an addiction. I first starting eating paper about 5 yrs. ago. I never thought anything about what I was doing until I was carring my son and could no longer resist the smell of new money at the bank that I was working. At first I would just get a few brand new dollars every other week, but by the time I was going on maternity leave I was buying a pack of 100 bills to last me until I got back. I was a addict. I could not control it, not even when my husband caught me. I bought a fresh pack for whenever I would be out for work ie. vacation or training. I tried to stop so many times but failed. I finally decided to leave my job because the temtation was just too great. I would just suck all the ink off of the money and then chew it up and eat it. This problem propted my husband to "out" me to my parents who convinced me to see my doctor. I have been diagnosed as anemic and I have an iron deficency. I am treating it and no longer eat money at all, however I still will eat a little plain paper every once and a while.

Modification of an earlier post I posted 2006 that eating paper may not be the result of Fe deficiency and cited example of me stopping when I was pregnant with my daughter only to go back when she was 1.5yrs. My reason being pregnant women usually cant get enough Fe. But looking back and now, I can say that it is indeed anemia that induces pica. I now know the reason for my not liking paper during pregnancy was because I was diagnosed as anaemic and put on high dose of Fe in addition to folic acid. Is possible then that my Fe level became really boosted and not being used to so much Fe I immediately got cured of pica. To test it further, I bought Fe tablets some six months after I resumed paper eating and started taking them. Guess what, like magic paper craving disappeared. I now use paper craving to determine when I am getting anaemic.