Black rice has been consumed in Asia for thousands of years and has been for centuries only for the Chinese kingdom. It comes from the same plant of the family as other rice and includes various varieties such as Indonesian and Thai black rice. The above varieties have very similar health profits and all have a mild, dry fruit taste that is similar to the taste of brown rice. Today, the production of this type of rice is fast-tracking and is now in more health food stores across the US, Australia and Europe, as people realize the many benefits it has to offer to health.
Scientists from universities all around the world, tested various samples of black rice bran grown in the southern states of the US, detecting particularly elevated levels of anthocyanin. Anthocyanin is a substance with strong antioxidant properties, which give the intense color to the fruits and vegetables such as berries and red peppers. It also helps protect the veins by protecting against cardiovascular disease and protecting from DNA damages that can incline cancer by delaying free radicals of oxygen.
Black rice appears to have a substantial detoxifying property. Studies suggest that black rice eating can improve detoxification of our body and clear our liver by toxins due to its high content of antioxidants.
Black rice as well as all whole grain cereals is high in fiber. Fibers help avoid constipation, puffiness, and other unwanted symptoms of the digestive system as well as contribute to regular bowel purpose. Also, fiber causes a feeling of fed up after eating and therefore helps control our weight. Thus, consumption of whole grains is much more beneficial and has protective action against obesity compared to consumption of processed cereal.
Also important is the aim of black rice in the control of diabetes. This is because the raw carbohydrates contained in black rice slow down the absorption of sugar in the blood, and so control of diabetes is more easy.
Like other varieties of rice, the black rice does not contain gluten. Gluten is the protein found in all wheat, rye, and barley products and a large percentage of people have a problem or a disability to consume it. It is therefore a cereal with many beneficial assets which can be widely consumed without affecting any health problems and troubles. Due to the fact that black rice is raw and thicker than white rice, it takes more time to cook. It can fit into our diet as something we can eat with meat, but also as a cold salad dish.
There are a lot of restaurants in the world that prefer using only black rice. This is due to the new way of health life styles that is followed by anyone from London to Paris and from New York to Tokyo. If you ever have the chance and be in any restaurant Jimbaran, in Indonesia, which is one of the major producers of black rice, do not forget to taste Nasi Goreng, the traditional dish of Indonesia. A great choice which is adored by everyone beyond the borders of Indonesia. Nasi Goreng is consisted of chicken cut into small pieces, some vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms and garlic, bamboo and rice of course. It can be served with white rice too but in nowadays it is common to use black rice too.
Whatever is your eating lifestyle, you should always know that the more we care for our body and way of eating, the more our body will thank us in many ways. Changing some old habits, such as eating black rice instead of white one, will make our life more valuable.
