Healthy Black Rice (Kalanamak)
Arguably of Japanese origin, and full of therapeutic properties, it grows in Manipur. Why not popularise it all over India?
Black rice, also known as purple rice (Forbidden Rice), is a range of rice types of the species Oryza sativa, some of which are glutinous rice. The name of variety is ‘Kala Namak’.
Black rice has a taste entirely different from either white or brown rice, but it’s closer to brown than white. It tastes like brown rice with the addition of a “nutty” flavor and aroma.
Indians have, in general, a propensity for the colour white, whether it is skin tone or body wear. So it is not surprising that black rice is relatively unknown to most Indians.
The place where we are currently growing this Black Rice :
Shirala Tahasil in Sangli District of Maharashtra is well- Known for rice cultivation. About 45 rice varieties are cultivated in different localities of Shirala tahasil. The tehsil has large area under thick forests due to heavy monsoon rains.
Taluka Shirala (also called Nagbhumi), which is located in Western Ghat, near Chandoli Forest and Warana Vasant Sagar Dam.
Personal Interview about Black Rice Production on ABP Maza :
Kala Namak farm with Farmer Swapnil Sambhaji Sutar
Reasons to eat the Black Rice :-
1. Good source of several nutrient
Compared with other types of rice, black rice is one of the highest in protein.
Per 3.5 ounces (100 grams), black rice contains 9 grams of protein, compared with 7 grams for brown rice.
It’s also a good source of iron — a mineral that’s essential for carrying oxygen throughout your body.
A 1/4 cup (45 grams) of uncooked black rice provides :
Calories: 160
Fat: 1.5 grams
Protein: 4 grams
Carbs: 34 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Iron: 6% of the Daily Value (DV)
2. May have anticancer properties
Anthocyanins from black rice may also have potent anticancer properties.
A review of population based studies found that higher intake of anthocyanin-rich foods was associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
3. May aid weight loss
Black rice is a good source of protein and fiber, both of which can help promote weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness.
In a 6-week study in 40 women with excess weight, those who ate a mix of brown and black rice up to 3 times per day on a calorie-restricted diet lost significantly more body weight and body fat than those eating white rice.
4. Naturally gluten-free
Gluten is a type of protein set up in cereal grains, similar as wheat, barley, and rye.
People with celiac complaint need to avoid gluten, as it triggers an vulnerable response in the body that damages the small intestine.
Gluten can also be get negative gastrointestinal side goods, similar as bloating and abdominal pain, in individualities with gluten sensitivity
SUMMARY
Black rice is naturally gluten-free and can be a good option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
5. support eye health
Research shows that black rice contains high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin — two types of carotenoids that are associated with eye health.
These compounds work as antioxidants to help protect your eyes from potentially damaging free radicals.
Research suggests that these antioxidants may play an important role in protecting against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. They may also decrease your risk of cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.
SUMMARY
Black rice contains the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, both of which have been shown to protect your retina from potentially damaging free radicals. While anthocyanins may also protect eye health, research in humans is currently lacking.
6. Help manage diabetes
Antioxidants and plant-based chemicals (phytochemicals) can improve your body’s sensitivity to insulin. This process helps you better use glucose. It slows the rate at which your body absorbs sugar and lowers sugar levels in your blood.
7. Reduce inflammation
Plant-based nutrients and antioxidants in black rice help reduce swelling in your body. While we need more research, says Czerwony, eating black rice may ease symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and dermatitis.
Rice Production in Maharashtra:
In Maharashtra rice is the second important crop of the people, which is grown over an area of 14.99 lakh hectares with an annual rough rice production of 32.37 lakh tones. The average productivity of the state is 2.01 t/ha. Maharashtra ranks 13th place in rice production in country.
Way forward
Other State governments, where rice cultivation is a major enterprise, should take to black rice cultivation. A niche market can be established primarily for export purposes.
Black rice germplasms must be included in the all-India rice research project, which will not only show its potential throughout India, but also open the eyes of enterprising farmers. There is no time to waste.
We provide the best, healthy, hand-milled red rice which will definitely help to your health. Considering the importance of black rice according to Ayurveda and its experience and the number of consumers are increasing day by day so with the help of Government of Maharashtra, we are increasing the paddy field for this Black Rice.
Hence we are providing the varieties specially that are being forbidden in this new era of time.
Thanks for reading this blog and feel free to contact us and please don't forget to follow me.
The varieties of rice we provide are :-
- Govind bhog
- Ratna-7
- Madhuraj
- Rakth-shale
- kala-Namak
- Champa-Kale
This blog has been written by:-
Ganesh Babaso Kshirsagar, an Agricultural Supervisor, currently working at Shirala, Maharashtra.
Contact number : 9403963898
Gmail : ganeshs28071972@gmail.com
Address : Taluka Agricultural Office, Shirala, Maharashtra.
Also do checkout the blogs on various varieties of Rice
