10 Health Benefits of Black Rice:The Forbidden Rice

The Forbidden Rice – also known as Black Rice is among some of the most powerful grains on earth. It’s no wonder that this ancient blend was reserved for Chinese royalty centuries ago and maintains its unique name from these times.

So, what’s so awesome about this little black grain? – Here’s 10 Health Benefits of Black Rice

1. Helps Prevent Obesity more efficiently than refined grains – Those suffering from pre-diabetes or other forms of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance should consume more fiber, which black rice is full of.

2. Slows down the Absorption of Sugar in the Blood – Helping to Prevent Diabetes – black rice, in place of other grains and rice could help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and other complications from the stripped carbohydrates and glucose (sugars) floating around in your blood stream.

3. Naturally Gluten Free – Just as with regular rice varieties, black rice is naturally free of gluten, a protein found in all products containing wheat, barley and/or rye. Celiac Disease is a rare sensitivity to gluten and the symptoms and side effects can be devastating, including an increased risk of developing leaky gut syndrome. Many people that suffer from gluten allergy might find this whole grain helpful in removing digestive problems related to the gluten sensitivity.

4. Improves Digestive Health – Black rice is an excellent source of fiber which will add bulk to your stool, therefore relieving, preventing, and/or curing cases of diarrhea not to mention gastrointestinal relief. The fiber helps to improve bowel movementsand helps relieve constipation. Fiber in higher doses can help prevent absorption of toxic substances flushing them out of the body. Also keep in mind that studies have found a diet high in dietary fiber from whole grain rice varieties is protective against digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) because that fiber is working to rid your body of toxins.

5. Detoxify your body – We’ll get to the antioxidants in a mere moment. The thing is, black rice is full of them and they help to detox the body and cleanse the liver of harmful toxic build up. There are also phytonutrients found in black rice which help the body to reduce inflammation and cleans the body of harmful substances that might contribute to a wide range of harmful conditions.

6. Full of Antioxidants – Antioxidants are amazing and black rice contains one of the highest levels of the antioxidant anthocyanin found in any known food. Anthocyanin antioxidants have been researched and found to prevent cardiovascular disease, improving brain function and protecting against cancers that can be caused by free radical damage.

Also good for hair and skin in the form of ingestion or topical application. This grain, just as any other rice grain is also rich invitamin E, which we all know is great for healing skin. Black rice contains B vitamins, biotin and protein that helps stimulate hair growth.

7. Protects Heart Health – Research has shown that black rice can decrease atherosclerotic plaque formation in the arteries, which is extremely important in preventing heart attacks and stroke.

8. Protects from Inflammation – this particular variety of rice is well known to have more anti-inflammatory properties than other types of rice. Typically found in fruits, these tiny grains of black rice are rich in anthocyanins, which give fruits and vegetables their color and anti-inflammatory properties.

9. Aids in Weight Loss – Remember all that fiber that’s so good for your digestive health? Fiber (in healthy amounts) can help you feel fuller longer, and helps reduce cravings, thus curbing your appetite enough to help you cut calories, furthermore aiding in your weight loss program.

10. Maintain Eye Health – Anthocyanins are pigments found in such plants as black rice and they help protect eyes from degenerative issues. One observational study states that anthocyanins in black rice are associated with preventing and treating impaired vision, not to mention other research that suggests regular intake of black rice helps in lowering the risks macular degeneration, developing cataracts, and other vision problems.

To find black rice, you won’t have to go to the ‘black market’ (no pun intended), although you might be forced into a health food store and/or large gourmet food market. If you run out of luck in these places – try the Asian markets, of course.

Remember that black rice is unrefined and therefore more dense than white rice, which means it takes longer to cook. For best results, soak your black rice for at least one hour (preferably several) before cooking.

Finally, do your research to see what else this resourceful little grain can do for your health.