Having good heart health may be as easy as consuming more brown rice, according to a new study.

Researchers at the Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Physiology at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia found that brown rice can offer protection against cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.

The scientists added that while white rice still has its benefits, brown rice may do a better job of decreasing the activity of a protein that is known to create high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

Rice has a subaleurone layer that is located between the white center and the brown outer layer. Researchers found that when rice is stripped to make white rice, the layer that is removed is rich in and dietary fibers.

“Our research suggests that there is a potential ingredient in rice that may be a good starting point for looking into preventive medicine for cardiovascular diseases,” said researcher Satoru Eguchi. “We hope to present an additional health benefit of consuming half-milled or brown rice [as opposed to white rice] as part of a regular diet.”