Get ready.

Like other whole grains, brown rice has more vitamins, minerals, fiber, and who-knows-what phytochemicals that may help lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and diverticulosis. But many people don't like the 45 minutes it takes to cook.

If that's you, check out Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Brown Ready Rice. It has already been thoroughly cooked by Ben, so by the time it reaches your kitchen al you have to do is microwave it for 90 seconds (or simmer it for 4 minutes) right in the pouch. The rice tastes as fluffy and nutty as it would had you cooked it the old-fashioned way.

Uncle Ben adds no salt or artificial flavors or colors. And while the rice does contain a touch of partially hydrogenated soy oil, there's only a negligible 0.05 grams of trans fat in each serving (that's why the label can list trans as zero).

If Ready Rice's small (8.8-ounce) bag isn't enough to feed your family, Ben offers 10-minute Instant Whole Grain Brown Rice in a 14-ounce box. When cooked, it makes more than three times as much as you'll get out of a pouch.

Not sure what to do with brown rice? Add some sauteed vegetables or rinsed black beans. Pair it with chili. Stuff it in peppers or squash. Swap it for white rice in your pilaf. Think of it as a substitute for mashed potatoes.

Who needs nutrient-stripped, fiber-poor white rice when brown rice is ready when you are?

Uncle Ben's: [phone].

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