Maybe is less popular than brown rice, but “the forbidden rice”, better known as black rice, has unique and more remarkable health benefits than the other closely related types of rice.
Black rice has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Not just is a rice that is richest in dietary fiber and antioxidants, but also has the ability to stop the development of heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and even cancer.
The black rice has been consumed in Asia for centuries. Long ago, this rice was cultivated in small amounts, and it was just reserved for Chinese royalties and forbidden for the ordinary people. That’s how the black rice got the name “forbidden rice”. In China this rice has been widely celebrated for being good for kidneys, liver and stomach since ancient times.
Health Benefits of the Forbidden Rice
According to prof. Zhimin Zu from Louisiana State University, just a spoonful of black rice contains more health-supporting antioxidants (known as anthocyanin) than are found in a spoonful of blueberries, but with more vitamin E and fiber and less sugar. Not only black rice is the richest source of potent antioxidants, but also has, even more, health benefits that are significant for our overall health. Following, you can find some of the best ones:
- Improves Cardiovascular Health
Researchers have shown that the black rice can significantly decrease the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries, which is important for preventing heart attack and stroke.
- Prevents Diabetes and Obesity
Black rice, as a gluten-free grain, is better at preventing fatness than most refined grains. People who have symptoms of pre-diabetes, suffer from insulin resistance, diabetes, or other forms of metabolic syndrome, should consume black rice and organic whole grains as contrasted with processed “white” rice that absences fiber.
- Detox Your Body
Many studies have proven that eating black rice can help to eliminate the harmful toxins from the liver and detox the body thanks to its great antioxidant content.
- Improves Digestive Health
As an abundant source of fiber and vitamin E, black rice can help to prevent constipation and bloating, as well as many other digestive issues.
- Helps Weight Loss
The dietary fiber found in the forbidden rice can also significantly aid you to feel full and stay full after eating for a longer period of time, potentially helping in weight loss.
Experts have found that a diet high in dietary fiber is protective against heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and many digestive disorders as irritable bowel syndrome. Black rice can also prevent or even cure diarrhea and other similar digestive problems since fiber adds bulk to the stool.
- Has Anti-Cancer Effects
As we mentioned before, black rice contains powerful antioxidant, known as anthocyanin, which protects our body from free-radical damage that could easily cause cancer. A few studies have demonstrated that the forbidden rice shows promises in stopping the spread of certain types of cancer, but is certainly not a cure.
More examinations need to be made in this area. We will follow this topic and keep you updated.
Nutrition per serving:
A ¼ cup serving of uncooked black rice (or ½ cup of cooked) contains approximately:
- 162 calories
- 4 g protein
- 34 g carbohydrates
- 1 g sugar
- 4 g fat
- 2 g dietary fiber
- No saturated fat
- No cholesterol
The popularity of black rice and its health benefits is quickly growing in the U.S. Currently, you can find the forbidden rice in many organic food markets, mostly in Asian markets.
The hope is that as more and more people learn about the black rice and its amazing health benefits, this product will probably become more widely available at supermarkets and restaurants. This rice is a special food that can improve your overall health condition. Try to find it and surprise your family with a serving of healthy and tasty food.
Source: yourhealthtube.com
Official Blog: Your Health Tube
