BOON OF BLACK RICE By Nethra Vijayakumar Black rice originating in China, has an interesting story. It was grown in small quantities and consumed only by the royalty. It’s also known as the purple rice, forbidden rice, prized rice and emperor’s rice. In Tamil Nadu, it is popularly known by the regional name ‘ Karuppu Kavuni ’ Rice, which is a black variant and it also has a red variant which is mostly used to make sweets Black rice contains essential amino acid like lysine, tryptophan; vitamins like Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, folic acid: and it is good source of minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus and selenium. It is also good source of fiber and protein. HEALTH BENEFITS: HIGH ANTIOXIDANT: Deep black purplish color, in black rice, indicates the high antioxidant properties. High amount of Vitamin E present in it is useful in maintaining eye, skin and immune health. Along with protective anthocyanins, black r