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 rice also contains high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids known for their role in supporting eye health. These antioxidants help to protect the cells in your eyes and to reduce the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

PROTECTS HEART HEALTH:

Black rice decreases the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries. It also reduces the level of triglycerides. Thus, it prevents from heart attack and stroke, and promotes cardiovascular health.

HELPS IN DETOXIFICATION:

Regular intake of black rice helps to detox the body and cleanse the liver from harmful toxic buildups.  As black rice is high in antioxidants, it regulates fatty acid metabolism and reduces the level of triglyceride and total cholesterol level thus reducing the risk of fatty liver diseases anc reduce chronic inflammation.

PREVENT DIABETES:

Black rice being rich source of fiber, it helps to maintain normal blood sugar level and helps to prevent insulin levels from spiking up and can help prevent type 2 diabetes.

FIGHTS CANCER:

The anthocyanin content of black rice lends it an anti-cancer characteristic as it inhibits the growth and multiplication of cancer cells. It further prevents the spread of cancer cells to other organs of the body. Anthocyanins suppresses the growth of tumor cells by blocking the supply of blood to those cells.

IMPROVES DIGESTIVE HEALTH:

Being good source of dietary fiber, helps in regulating bowel movements. It prevents constipation and bloating and helps in relieving digestive problems. On digestion dietary fiber swells, absorbs water and binds to the toxins and other wastes. Thus, it gives bulk to the stools and help in the removal of wastes from the body easily.

HELPS IN WEIGHT MANAGEMENT:

Black rice is protective against obesity and other metabolic disorders. As they are rich in fiber, it decreases the intake of food, which cut down the calories, promoting weight loss.

 

BLACK RICE - "THE EMPEROR'S RICE