When a population relies on a staple food source that has to be shipped in from thousands of miles away, that is definitely NOT food security. Further, when that food is known to cause an increase in type 2 diabetes for people around the world, it should be limited to how much is served. Growing up in Hawai’i, rice was often served for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. It is one of the main starches at all family parties, picnics, restaurants, and any type of food establishments you can find. For many families, it would be sacrilege if a rice cooker was not present somewhere on the table. Children in Hawai’i grew up as rice-washing experts and designated rice cookers. It was commonplace to hear a parent yell from the other side of a home, “Did you cook rice?” If the pot was not on that stove top, you can count on negative consequences for that night.
Data reveals many rice-eating societies around the world are experiencing an increase in type-2 diabetes and attribute this hazard to this white starchy substance. The following video proves that rice is a cause of type-2 diabetes. I have witnessed many men and women that load their plates with rice and go up for seconds with a slightly smaller serving the next time. I can say that I was included in that statistic. Here is what I am mulling over: 1) It does not make sense to eat something in such large quantities (tons and tons of it) when it is not grown locally. 2) It can shorten the lifespan of people who keep gorging on this stuff.
Rice is NOT commercially grown in Hawaii anywhere and not native to this geographical area. Most of the rice that is sold in Hawai’i (if you read the labels) come from California. If something happened to our shipping lanes, like a labor strike or other catastrophic event, it would drastically reduce supply of this grain and the people here would be in big trouble. There are more nutritious alternatives that Ancient Hawaiians grew in this climate for hundreds and hundreds of years that kept its population healthy and self reliant. The two vitamin-dense plants were Taro and Sweet Potato. If we change the mindset of the people of Hawaii to a traditional diet that in my opinion is much more tasty and delicious than rice, there would be an economic and health revival for thousands of residents.
Somehow, rice was replaced as the main staple as people from Asia came as migrants to the Sugar Plantations. Their introduction of rice and its versatility in many culinary applications overshadowed what was grown here for centuries. There must be a renaissance to reintroduce a more sustainable approach to food production and rethink how current practices of acquiring foods from thousands of miles away is not prudent for a long-term agronomic policy for a community in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Most importantly, minimize the amount of rice that is eaten and choose a more wholesome source if you have to eat some type of starch with your main course.
Health to You,
WwW
Wil