Rice is a versatile and universal food, with hundreds of varieties throughout the world. In some countries, it is the most consumed cereal grain. In the process of removing the outer hull, also known as the bran layer, milling alters the nutritional value of the rice. The bran layer is where most of the nutrients are stored. While white rice is comprised of primarily carbohydrates, with the nutrients stripped off during the milling process. An easy way to ensure a nutritious diet is to choose whole grains to eat with your meals.

Ingredients:

2 tsp. vegetable oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 Tbs. slivered almonds
2 3/4 cups water
3/4 cup brown rice
1/2 cup lentils
1/4 cup raisins
2 vegetable bouillon cubes
1 tsp. curry powder
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/8 tsp. ground allspice
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and almonds.
3. Cook and stir until onion is tender and almonds are lightly browned (about 5 minutes).
4. Add remaining ingredients and bring mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 40 to 45 minutes, until water has been absorbed.
6. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve.

For this and other nice veg recipes, visit www.ivu.org!

Nothing’s more satisfying than eating a delicious snack that happens to be good for you too! Brown Rice Snaps, made by Edward & Sons, are crisp, whole grain crackers. They taste great right out of the package or you can top them off with your favorite spread to make perfect hors d’oeuvres. They’re available in many varieties, some with little or no oil and some with certified organic brown rice. Flavors include Tamari Seaweed, Tamari Sesame, Onion Garlic, Unsalted Sesame, Vegetable, Toasted Onion, Salsa, and Black Sesame. Brown Rice Snaps are wheat-free, gluten-free, kosher, vegan and low in sodium and fat.

Edward & Sons has an extensive line of products including instant soups and crackers, sauces, artichoke hearts, tropical fruit and more. The company supports good causes and is a regular sponsor of both The Great American Meatout and the Animal Rights 2007 National Conference.

For more information about all products, visit www.EdwardAndSons.com!

Eating just one daily serving of whole grains helps prevent high blood pressure, and more servings can slash your risk even further. The new study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, tracked the whole grain intake of 29,00 middle-aged women. The odds of developing high blood pressure over a decade fell with each daily serving of whole grains. High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and a host of other problems, so replace refined grains with whole grains for improved health.

During the 10-year study, a total of 8,722 women in the group were newly diagnosed with high blood pressure. Compared to women who reported eating less than half a daily serving of whole grains, women who ate at least four daily servings of whole grains were about 23% less likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure during the study. Whole grains, which provide all edible parts of the grain, include whole grain corn, oats, popcorn, brown rice, whole rye, whole grain barley, buckwheat, and quinoa.

To read the full article, click here!

Leonardo Dicaprio has a new inspiring film! The 11th Hour premiers in cities around the U.S. on or before August 31st. The thought-provoking documentary draws attention to environmental devastation and describes the last moment when change is possible. It explores how humanity has arrived at this moment– how we live, how we impact the earth’s ecosystems, and what we can do to change our course.

Many people don’t realize how much our diets impact the earth. A 2006 report from the United Nations revealed that meat production causes more global warming gases than automobiles!

Help educate others about this crucial information. When you go to see the film, distribute our colorful postcards that explain the connection between diet and global warming and offer free veg starter kits. Click here to request free "Stop Global Warming" postcards.

For more info about diet and global warming, visit www.BiteGlobalWarming.com!

Thanks for reading this week's issue of Meatout Mondays! Share the veggie love with your friends and family... forward this e-mail or sign them up!

Meatout Mondays is published each week by:
FARM - Farm Animal Reform Movement
10101 Ashburton Ln Bethesda, MD 20817
info@meatoutmondays.org

To unsubscribe, click here. If you are not a member of this list and would like to be, click here.