UNCLE BEN'S® Makes Sure Americans Enjoy Their Whole Grains

RANCHO DOMINGUEZ, Calif., Sept. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- To demonstrate its continued commitment to health and wellness, UNCLE BEN'S® via parent company Mars Incorporated, is a proud premier sponsor of this year's American Dietetic Association annual Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE). Conference attendees have the opportunity to meet with the UNCLE BEN'S® team of dietitians and chefs to learn how to marry taste and convenience while still getting the nutritional benefits of whole grains.

Working With Health and Nutrition Leaders

At the conference, culinary innovation manager for Mars Food USA and participant in the Chefs Move to Schools campaign, chef Chris Skolmutch, and registered dietitian Joan Moran will demonstrate a variety of heart healthy recipes, ranging from breakfast - Garden Vegetable Quiche – to dinner options such as a Black Bean & Salmon Tostada.

"We want to show that rice can lead to a world of better meals by attracting healthier ingredients, encouraging diverse cuisines, and bringing people together to enjoy a meal," says Skolmutch. "With increased focus on the national obesity problem, as well as the resurgence of home cooked meals and family meal time, Uncle Ben's solution to its consumer is to provide a simple path to healthy eating."

Whole Grain Recommendations and Benefits

Many scientific studies document the potential health benefits associated with whole grains, whether you are looking to maintain weight or improve overall health. The current MyPlate nutrition model and 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that all Americans consume at least half of their grains as whole grains, specifically, three or more servings of whole grains and about 25 grams of fiber each day.

"Recent research demonstrates that eating enriched white and whole grain brown rice as part of a healthy diet may reduce the risk for certain chronic conditions," says Anne Banville, vice president, domestic promotion, USA Rice Federation. "Compared to non-rice eaters, rice eaters tend to be more likely associated to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and other health problems."

Many of the UNCLE BEN'S® whole grain items meet the daily recommended 3 servings of whole grains in a 1 cup cooked serving.  "Finding three servings of whole grains is easy, especially with the Whole Grain Stamp," says Cynthia Harriman, director of food & nutrition strategies, Oldways and the Whole Grains Council. The 100% Stamp assures that a food contains a full serving or more of whole grain in each labeled serving and that all the grain is whole grain, while the basic Whole Grain Stamp appears on products containing at least half a serving of whole grain per labeled serving."  

Tips for Incorporating Whole Grains Year Round

"More than ever, consumers are trying to make the best possible choice for their family's health without sacrificing great taste," says registered dietitian and chef Michele Powers. "To meet diverse lifestyle needs, UNCLE BEN'S® offers a variety of whole grain brown rice options ready in 90 seconds, 10 minutes or 30 minutes. Combined with my simple suggestions on how to eat whole grains throughout the year, consumers can enjoy healthy eating, great taste and convenience to support a well-balanced meal plan."

• Winter Holidays:
  • Instead of mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole, add pecans and dried cranberries to a wild or brown rice pilaf.
• New Year's Resolutions:
  • For good luck, make a New Year's Day meal of black eyed peas and brown rice, a traditional Hoppin' John.
• Valentine's Day:
  • For a romantic dessert, make a decadent chocolate brown rice pudding topped with fresh raspberries.
• Summer Snacks:
  • Combine cooked brown rice and fresh corn kernels with an egg and seasonings, then bake in muffin cups at 400 degrees F until cooked through and crispy on the outside; top with salsa for a fun summer snack or appetizer!
• Back To School Lunch-Box Favorites
  • For a new high-fiber sandwich filling, make chicken, egg, or tuna salad and add cooked rice along with diced vegetables
• Snow Days:
  • Use cooked rice in place of pasta in a steaming bowl of homemade soup

For more information about UNCLE BEN'S®  whole grain varieties, recipes and nutrition information, visit www.UncleBens.com or like the brand on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/UncleBens.  

About UNCLE BEN'S®

UNCLE BEN'S®, the number one rice brand in America, is proud to offer a wide range of rice dishes with flavors and textures that will help bring more to your meals, both for convenient side dishes and savory main courses. UNCLE BEN'S® offers a wide variety of white, whole grain brown, and flavored rices in cook times ranging from 30 minutes to 90 seconds, as well as rice for food service operations such as restaurants, schools and hospitals. The first mass-produced parboiled rice, UNCLE BEN'S® is the top-selling branded rice in the United States and products can be found in more than 100 countries worldwide. UNCLE BEN'S® Brand products are manufactured by Mars Food NA, part of Mars, Incorporated. For more information, visit www.UncleBens.com.

SOURCE UNCLE BEN'S