These are the health benefits of black rice that were once only for aristocrats
KONTAN.CO.ID – JAKARTA. Rice is the staple food of Indonesians. The most common consumption is white rice.
Apart from being cheaper, it should be admitted that it tastes better due to the sugar content in it.
But actually, there is a lot of sugar content, the white rice that we usually consume has the least fiber content compared to other types of rice.
So, for health reasons, especially for diabetics and those who are dieting, instead of eating white rice, experts recommend other types of rice such as brown rice, brown rice, and now black rice.
Black rice, although it is only being recommended these days, is actually a rare and very old rice variety that has been grown in India for centuries.
However, in ancient China, black rice could only be consumed by aristocrats and the rich.
Ordinary people were prohibited from growing or eating it, so black rice has since received a label known as forbidden rice.
Now black rice is no longer banned and is widely cultivated as a healthy alternative to food.
Joanna Brooke, Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Practitioner from Bethesda Hospital in the United States, said black rice has good content for diabetics, heart disease patients and patients who are on a diet reducing sugar and carbohydrates.
Besides that, black rice is also very good for skin and hair because of its vitamin content. Also, its content can help brain activity to run properly.
To note, the dark black or purple color of black rice is a marker of its high antioxidant properties, similar to fruit blackberry and blueberries.
Amazingly, a study carried out by the Norwegian health ministry in 2017 found that the amount of antioxidants and anthocyanins (a type of substance that is useful against cancer), which is contained in black rice is higher than other grains, including brown rice, brown rice, quinoa red, or other colored, whole grain varieties.
Anthocyanins can help prevent cardiovascular disease, limit free radicals that can cause various diseases such as diabetes and even cancer.
Because black rice is not refined or processed, it can retain its antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber so as to improve brain function and reduce inflammation.
Black rice also contains important antioxidants, namely vitamin E, which is useful in maintaining healthy eyes, skin and immunity.
The phytonutrients in black rice also help the liver flush out toxins and eliminate unwanted substances in the body through their antioxidant activity.
Eating rice derived from black rice will have a positive impact on healthy cholesterol levels as well.
The anthocyanin phytochemicals found in black rice, reduce Low Density Lipo-protein (LDL) cholesterol which is also known as bad cholesterol and also reduce total cholesterol levels.
The book ‘Healing Foods’ by DK Publishing (London, 2014) notes, black rice has been shown to actively reduce atheroschlerosis (hardening of the arteries) which is at risk of causing heart disease.
When compared to white rice that we usually consume, black rice has a very high fiber and protein content.
Protein is very important in building muscle mass and reducing excess body weight so that it will support a weight loss program.
Black rice contains 8.5 grams of protein in a 100 gram serving, while white rice contains only 6.8 grams of protein.
The glycemic index of black rice is also the lowest compared to brown rice, especially white rice, so it is the safest for diabetics. (Soesanti Harini Hartono)
This article has been published on Tribunnews.com with the title Benefits of Black Rice Consumption
