Beauty benefits of eating black rice
Forbidden rice taste better. Have you tried? It’s also called black rice because it comes in an interesting purplish, black color. And it’s what I’ve been eating quite regularly these days in place of white and brown rice.
So why is black rice called forbidden rice? Does it mean you are not allowed to eat it? Well yes if you are a commoner born in ancient China. Back then, black rice was so rare and nutritious, only the Emperor and his royal family were allowed to eat it. That being the case, I don’t suppose it’s something even money can buy.
But that was then. Now, forbidden rice is no longer restricted to the royalty. Thank goodness we can find it readily available at most supermarkets. Thank God it’s not a commodity dictated by social status today.
Anyway, I bought mine at a regular NTUC outlet. I remember the cost isn’t prohibitive at about S$10 per packet.
Contains plenty of nutrients
You probably know by now that food that is darker in color typically contains more nutrients. Black rice is no different. It has 18 amino acids, minerals and vitamins like copper, iron, zinc and carotene.
But why black rice is superior as compared to other types of rice is because it is unrefined whole grain that retains all antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
In addition, black rice is the only variety of rice containing a high level of anthocyanin–higher than brown rice, red rice, red quinoa, and other colored whole grain varieties.
It also includes essential antioxidant vitamin E, that is beneficial to maintaining eye, skin, and immune health along with other essential functions.
So eating black rice provides many beauty and health benefits. Today, I’ll focus on a few that has bearings on your beauty.
Full of antioxidants
Black rice is a good source of antioxidants, especially anthocyanin, derived from its outer bran hull. The antioxidant level is similar to colored antioxidant rich berries such as blueberries, cranberries and raspberries.
Anthocyanin prevents free radical damage in the body and protects against UV damage. This is definitely good news for skin care fanatics.
Not only that, anthocryanin has the capacity to preventing an array of common yet significant health concerns such as preventing cardiovascular disease, protecting against cancer that may be brought on by free radical damage, enhancing brain function, decreasing inflammation and much more.
Detoxifies the body
Studies have indicated that consuming black rice may help detox the body as well as cleanse the liver of harmful toxic build-up thanks to the rice’s high antioxidant content.
Apparently, rabbits fed black rice experienced less oxidative stress but more detoxification within the liver.
Having your body detoxed is good news not just for health purposes, but also for your skin. A lot of times, your skin suffers from breakouts when there are too much toxins in your body. So clearing the toxins means less blemished skin!
Anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation produces enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles. White rice triggers inflammation and that’s why experts tell us to stay away from it.
But black rice does the opposite. It reduces skin inflammation that is also a major cause for skin allergies. This means your skin tend to remain more youthful looking for a longer period.
Taste of black rice
Black rice has a unique, nutty taste. I wouldn’t say it’s very tasty. It really depends on your preference. Afterall, one man’s meat can be one man’s poison.
But I like it. It’s a lot denser than white and brown rice. So it’s best to soak the grains for two hours or more prior to cooking but my experience shows that it can also be cooked immediately without soaking by adding more water.
You can eat it like regular rice, porridge or you can add it into a salad. I always eat it like regular rice and find it taste better with a sauce or a soup. Otherwise, you may find it too dry. I especially love eating it with curry.
I’ve also tried making porridge with black rice but don’t quite like the taste. I think it’s better mixed with other grains when it comes to making porridge.
Comments
If you are thinking of ditching white rice for healthier grains, you might want to consider black rice. Not only does it provide plenty of benefits, it’s interesting to taste and easy to prepare. Most important, it isn’t expensive and is certainly easily available where I am based.
How about you? Have you eaten black rice? Do you like it? How do you usually eat it? Come let’s share your recipe.
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I have never tried black rice but I would be willing to give it a try. I would love some recipes too ?
tan last post is: HR and VR: a Match Made in Heaven?
You basically cook it the same way you cook rice except with more water if you don’t soak it before cooking.
Hi, where can I get it in Singapore?
You can find it in NTUC.
Brown rice is a wonderfully stable food. My daughter and I include rice in our diet just about every day. I enjoy eating it with sauteed onions, carrots, green peppers and garlic – seasoned with turmeric, cayenne pepper, himalayan salt and ginger. This dish can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Just sautee and mix with rice. Feeling a little daring? Add black beans or which ever type of bean you like along with tomatoes to this dish. Enjoy!
Thanks for sharing such an informative article