Black Rice — The Power House of Antioxidants!
Have you ever of black rice? Yes, it exists! ‘Black Rice’ as the name suggests is black in colour. It is also known as the ‘forbidden rice’. Uncooked black rice is pitch dark-black in colour. When cooked it turns dark purple to deep brown. Its dark purple colour is mainly because of the high , anthocyanin content, which is higher. This rice is normally sold ‘un-milled’, un-processed, with the husk.
It has great nutritional value.
Brown rice is obtained from black rice. Rice manufacturers remove just the outer husks (chaff) from black rice to produce brown rice.
When the underlying rich “bran” is removed we get white rice, which is less nutritious when compared to brown and black rice.
The natural healing power and goodness of black rice has been very well noted in modern times too. It is packed with antioxidants, Vitamin E, Fiber, and valuable anti-inflammatory properties.
The major difference between Black Rice and the other breeds of rice is its very potent antioxidant properties. The antioxidant content in it, comes from its pigment. This is the same type of pigment found in other types of antioxidant rich foods such as the many varieties of berries. They have been associated with prevention and of a wide range of illnesses and disorders. In addition to its antioxidant properties, black rice is also popular for its anti-inflammatory effects; which helps cut down on infections and illnesses — in general. In various researches, antioxidants have been found to definitely slow down the aging process. In addition to this, it also offers an entire host of other important benefits. It’s helpful in avoiding and managing the following grave diseases-
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer
- Inflammations due to Asthma and Allergies
One of the researches states that only a spoonful of black rice bran contains more health promoting anthocyanin antioxidants than are found in a spoonful of blueberries, but with less sugar and more fiber, vitamin E and antioxidants. Now, if the berries can help in improving health, of course, black rice and black rice bran will also do the same. Especially, black rice bran would be a unique and economical material to increase consumption of health promoting antioxidants.
This study also showed that pigments in black rice bran extracts can produce a variety of colours, from pink to black, and may be a healthier alternative to artificial food colourants that manufacturers now add to some foods and beverages
One more study reported that black rice bran has the ability to suppress the release of histamine (inflammatory factors) in the body and therefore lowers inflammation.
Black rice can be used in making salads, porridge, etc. its bran can be used as a powder or as whole to boost the health value of foods, such as can be added in various snacks, breakfast cereals , added in flours for making dosas, pancakes, flat breads, etc.
In spite of being packed with nutrients, black rice is not costly. It is certainly one of the most exceptional varieties of rice. Now every time you enjoy a serving of this amazing super food, you can remind yourself that you are eating a dose of powerful anti-oxidants and fibers and thus taking care of your own health!
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