Black rice: health benefits and harms

More than 7,000 varieties of rice can be counted worldwide. They differ in the processing method and place of cultivation. When grinding cereals, it is more easily digestible after cooking. But along with this, her nutritional properties, which go away with the seed skin, also decrease.

Depending on the processing, the same variety may have a different taste as well as color. In addition to the processing and preparation method, the appearance and aroma of rice is also affected by the place where it was grown and the technologies used.

What is the difference between black rice and white

Most often we are used to eating white rice. So it becomes as a result of grinding, which occurs in several stages. But, unfortunately, this reduces the nutritional properties of the product. Black rice is not polished at all, due to which a huge amount of different nutrients is stored in it. In addition to nutrition, it is even used for treatment.

Rare black rice grows in inaccessible areas of Tibet. It is assembled exclusively by hand, so it is much more expensive than its counterparts and is not often found on sale. But it is definitely worth a try to appreciate its nutty flavor and aroma, similar to the smell of popcorn.

Unlike white, black rice has twice as much protein, which makes it more nutritious. Since ancient times, it is believed that it lengthens life and affects male power. Do not confuse the grain with “Chumiz”, which is also called “black rice”, but has nothing to do with it, but comes from the “bristle” detachment. Black rice is also often confused with wild or with "ciccation" - it is also not rice, but only its very distant relative.

Black rice - rounded, with a purple tint.

Composition and calorie content

It is worth noting that the type, variety and place of collection of black rice affects the amount of substances that it contains. Of course, in the finished product and dry grain different calories. The less rice is processed, the higher the level of minerals in it.

Unlike polished varieties, black rice is very rich in amino acids, of the 20 known species, 18 are included in it.

Anthocyanins give black color to cereals, it also contains vitamins that dissolve in fat D, E, A. The glycemic index of this product is from 36 to 40 units, this low indicator allows you to include this type of rice in people with impaired carbohydrate metabolism, as well as patients with diabetes. In addition, the use of black rice is necessary in order to prevent these diseases.

In general, it is similar in composition to other cereals. It contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. On average, per 100 g of product can be distinguished:

• proteins - up to 15 g;
• fats - 0.6 g;
• carbohydrates - 74.9 g.

Calorie content is 354 kilocalories.

Water contains 7.76 g, dietary fiber - 6.2 g.

Vitamins:

• B 1 - 0.4 mg;
• B2 - 0.04 mg;
• B3 - 4.2 mg;
• B5 - 1.5 mg;
• B6 - 0.51 mg;
• B9 - 19-21 mg.

Minerals:

• potassium - 250 mg;
• phosphorus - 260 mg;
• magnesium - 140 mg;
• calcium - 30 mg;
• sodium - 4 mg;
• iron - 3.4-3.7 mg;
• manganese - 3.6 mg;
• zinc - 2.1 mg.

What is useful black rice

For women

If a woman introduces black rice into her diet on an ongoing basis, then her health will improve in many ways.

1. The product protects the body from oncological diseases, which is facilitated by antioxidants, which are contained in rice in the form of zinc, manganese, and fiber, which removes carcinogens, destroyed and neutralized by antioxidants.
2. Very well, black rice fights digestive problems. Thanks to its enveloping abilities, it can lower the harmful type of cholesterol in the blood, reduces the manifestation of atherosclerosis, preventing heart attacks and strokes.
3. Do not forget about its low calorie content. This helps women to maintain harmony and cleanse the body of toxins, toxins, decomposed fat cells, metals, poisons and salts.
4. This low-calorie product for a long time retains a feeling of satiety. A woman will feel cheerful and energetic thanks to the vitamins contained in it.
5. Black rice stimulates the synthesis of sex hormones, which positively affects reproductive function.
6. Due to the content of B vitamins, when consumed before bedtime, rice prevents the development of nervous disorders.
7. Due to its characteristic diuretic and bactericidal properties, black rice is very good for diseases of the genitourinary system, in particular for cystitis, from which women often suffer.

For men

Black rice helps men to strengthen muscles, giving strength and vitality, keeps the body in good shape. This product has the ability to prevent the formation of early gray hair, as it promotes the synthesis of serotonin, testosterone and estrogen. They positively affect the productive function and potency of a man, making this product an aphrodisiac.

Black rice helps in the fight against problems such as constipation, disruption of the liver, the formation of stones in the gall bladder. It alleviates the symptoms of varicose veins, gastritis, heartburn, ulcerative lesions of the intestinal mucosa and stomach. The product eliminates edema, improves the functioning of the kidneys and bladder, lowers blood pressure in case of hypertension, positively affects eyesight, prevents brittleness and hair loss, stimulates the adrenal glands, has a positive effect on the brain's working capacity, and supports optimal blood composition in case of anemia.

Rice improves metabolism, regenerates the skin and slows down changes in the body and rapid aging. Anti-inflammatory properties improve immune function. Black rice patients recover well after heavy operations and illness. Application after 40 years strengthens bones, helps reduce the risk of fractures.

During pregnancy

This product is allowed to be used during the gestation of the baby, as well as during lactation, since it can not cause any harm to the child, but on the contrary, it only brings benefits. The trace elements and minerals contained in it help in the formation of the skeleton of the baby.

Due to the fact that in one glass of cooked black rice contains the daily norm of folic acid, this makes it simply indispensable for the diet of a pregnant woman.

When breastfeeding

The composition of white rice can cause allergies. The lack of polishing of black rice makes it hypoallergenic and suitable for feeding a woman who feeds a child. Also in his favor is the fact that it has 2 times more nutrients than white, and it does not contain glycogen (and after all, an allergic reaction to vegetable protein is very common in babies).

Due to its nutritional properties, black rice will contribute to a good weight gain in infants. When used two to three times a week, it will help to recover after a difficult birth and replenish the supply of vitamins and minerals, improve lactation. Black rice will add variety to the balanced diet of a nursing mother.

For kids

Due to the lack of fat, black rice is a dietary product that is suitable for many diets, including baby food.It can be used as food since seven months, thoroughly rubbing it with milk, 2-3 teaspoons, bringing within a month to the usual portion. It’s worth starting with a couple of grains, since the slightly oblong shape of the grain makes it difficult to chew.

When losing weight

A relatively small portion of rice gives a feeling of satiety for a long time. Due to the low calorie content of black rice, this product is included in many diets. Systematically consumed black rice can smoothly reduce weight without harming one's health. Due to the rich content of trace elements and vitamins, the body of a losing weight does not experience stress at all.

When eating black rice during a diet, you don’t need to choose a special time for it, it’s enough just to smoothly enter it into your usual diet. The body gets used to eating in a couple of days. Due to the positive effect on the intestines, he establishes regular stools. Especially black rice positively affects the woman’s body after pregnancy and childbirth, when excess weight has a depressing effect on the psyche. If a person suffers from constant edema and digestive problems, and each meal is accompanied by heaviness, heartburn and flatulence, then this rice variety will open old bored dishes from a new perspective. Heaviness and heartburn after eating will disappear immediately. And weight loss will begin literally on the second or third day. After a week, the complexion and condition of the hair will change.

Due to its properties, black rice well cleanses the body of excess moisture and toxins. The beneficial substances contained in this product will help support muscle tissue and improve the skin condition of losing weight.

The benefits of black rice flour

Traditional wheat or rye flour is sometimes replaced with more useful analogues from other crops. One such product is black rice flour, which is completely free of gluten and starch. Although this product is not very popular in our country, its use began many centuries ago. It is especially popular in China and Southeast Asia.

Black rice flour is high in minerals and vitamins. Due to the fact that black rice flour does not have gluten, nothing can be baked from it.

Due to the high cost of black rice, flour is rarely made from it. In cooking, rolls are made from it, funchose noodles, some desserts, pancakes, it is used for breading. In order to bake something from it, it is mixed with ordinary wheat flour.

Gluten, which is found in wheat flour, causes harm not only to people suffering from allergies, but also to ordinary people. This often causes heartburn, diarrhea, flatulence, and constipation. Flour from black rice, in which there is no gluten, makes it a useful product. Therefore, it can be included in baby food. It helps strengthen blood vessels and normalizes blood composition.

How to make flour

Since this product is very rarely seen in the store, it is easier to prepare it yourself. For cooking, you need a regular blender, electric grinder or mixer. It is best to use a coffee grinder because it will make the flour with the finest fractions. A blender should be designed to grind various cereals. To make the flour as small as possible, it is better to fill the capacity of the device used only in half.

Before cooking cereal flour, the rice must be thoroughly washed under cold water. Then you need to soak it for 6 hours. Water does not need to be salted. After this time, the rice must be washed again and remove all moisture from it as much as possible, distributing the grain on a towel. It is important not to overdry the rice, as slightly moist raw materials will be much easier to grind. Then grind the product to a powder state. The resulting flour will be slightly wet. It must be dried. Place the flour in a dry frying pan and bake on a fire until steam ceases to rise from it. To control the drying of flour, you can take a pinch in your hand.If the product is not collected in a lump, but easily crumbles, it means that it is already quite dry.

Rice flour must be sieved through a sieve. If granules remain, they must be ground again in a coffee grinder. You need to store rice flour in a tightly closed jar in the refrigerator, since this type of product tends to deteriorate quickly and mold.

Black rice in medicine

In Western medicine, black rice is used to prevent aging and any degenerative changes that occur in the tissues and cells of the whole body, as well as to prevent changes in the cardiovascular, immune system and the prevention of all kinds of cancer.

Eastern medicine uses this product to lower vitality and autoimmune diseases, to prevent hair loss, diabetes, mental and nervous disorders. Black rice is also prescribed for patients with respiratory and urogenital system dysfunction, with skin problems and obesity.

Doctors recommend introducing this product into the diet of both children and adults. Due to the fact that it helps to recover in the postoperative period and after prolonged illnesses, black rice is used in the treatment of anemia, since this product contains a large amount of iron.

A substance such as oryzanol, which is practically absent in grinding white rice, helps to reduce the concentration of harmful cholesterol in the blood, helping the brain cope with increased mental stress.

The antitumor abilities in black rice are noted thanks to the same antioxidants that help strengthen the entire circulatory system and prevent changes in the structure of the DNA chain itself.

Black rice is used in this area due to its ability to fight skin inflammation, as an unpolished product contains elements that inhibit histamine production. It helps relieve inflammation of the skin. The obtained extract of black rice was tested in the laboratory on experimental mice infected with inflammation. After the introduction of black rice extract into the regular nutrition of diseased rodents, all inflammatory processes on the skin decreased by a third, swelling and various redness also disappeared. Experts concluded that this rice contains very valuable anti-allergic substances and can be used as a therapeutic agent in the treatment and prevention of various diseases directly related to various chronic inflammations. Currently, medicines are being developed based on husk extract from black rice.

The use of black rice in cosmetology

In cosmetology, flour from this grain is used. It can be added to 1 tsp. in any face masks. Such treatment procedures will be especially relevant for girls with problem skin.

Harm and contraindications

It is worth noting that even in the most useful product from all points of view, harmful properties can be detected. Therefore, when black rice is introduced into your diet, you should start with small portions, observing the state of your body. The main harm of the product is revealed when it is overeating. Also, when cooking, he paints enameled dishes. Therefore, in order to cook it, it is better to choose a dark container.

It is also worth knowing that black rice may contain an increased amount of ammonia, which can lead to serious consequences when it is consumed in large volumes.

How to choose and store

First of all, when choosing black Tibetan rice, it is necessary to focus on its external indicators.Looking at the packaging, you need to make sure that all the grains are about the same size and the same shape. In sealed packaging, no debris, especially larvae of harmful insects, should be found. Must be present GOST mark, which ensures the quality of the product. Shelf life is also important: the younger the selected rice, the more useful properties it has. And, of course, extraneous odors should not come from the open packaging.

Typically, rice is stored from a year to a year and a half, information on storage conditions is indicated on the packaging. Purchased rice can be fried without oil or baked in the oven so that it does not deteriorate as long as possible.

Black rice is stored in a well-ventilated and dry, cool place, away from sunlight, in a tight sealed container or linen bag that breathes. For this, the bag must be boiled. In a sealed jar you need to put a gauze bag with salt, which will prevent the formation of mold. To prevent the bugs from settling in the croup, they use pieces of lemon peel, as well as bay leaves, garlic cloves, pods of hot peppers. It is also worth remembering that the prepared product is stored in an ordinary refrigerator for three days. But it is best to use it right away.

How to cook black rice

Before cooking, rinse the groats under running cool water, then soak it in water for 30 minutes. This is necessary so that the unpolished husk is saturated with moisture and is able to maintain its shape during prolonged cooking.

Typically, black rice is cooked to completely absorb all the water within 40 minutes. If you need to get friable porridge, then you need to cook the grain in a larger volume of liquid - in the ratio of 5 parts of water to 1 part of cereal. Whether to leave the pan uncovered or use the lid does not matter. In the first method of cooking according to the method of complete absorption, it is necessary to use 1 part of rice in 2 parts of water and be sure to cover the container with a lid. Do not make a very big fire, since excessive drilling will damage the appearance of the grain. When cooking, all the water will become colored - this is completely natural. Therefore, if you are going to regularly use this cereal, select for it a separate pan of black or any dark color.

What can be cooked from black rice: recipes

A product like rice goes well with various vegetables, mushrooms and even seafood. Due to the unusual appearance, you can cook some interesting dish from it. For example, a low-calorie version of black exotic risotto, a light salad with vegetables and an unusual soup. They can also stuff tomatoes or just use rice as an outlandish side dish.

Black rice with celery and dried fruits

You will need such products: a glass of cereal, 200 ml of broth, a handful of chopped green onions, 4 chopped celery stalks, 300 g of dried fruits from dried apricots, apples, cherries and prunes, 2 tbsp. spices for flavor, chopped fresh parsley.

Soak the cereal for about an hour. Then pour the broth into the pan and bring it to a boil with two cups of water, pour rice and cook for 40 minutes on very low heat.

Meanwhile, fry the chopped onions and celery stalks in olive oil, add 1 tbsp. water and simmer until they soften (20 minutes). Add dried fruits to the pan with ready-made rice and continue to cook until the rice is ready, mix the contents with various spices and chopped parsley. This useful and at the same time luxurious side dish will decorate the festive feast!

Black rice with nuts

Products: 1 liter of chicken stock, a couple of glasses of rice, 1 cup of chopped almonds, 100 g of raisins, herbs and aromatic spices to taste.

In a small saucepan, bring to a full boil half a glass of the whole broth, pour them raisins, set aside for a couple of minutes. In another large saucepan, boil the remaining broth, add previously washed black rice and cook for an hour. Fry almonds in a pan and transfer to cooked rice, adding soaked raisins, herbs and spices. Mix everything.

Cream soup with beets and black rice

Components: beets, half a liter of water, half a glass of cereals, carrots, potatoes, medium onions, any greens (you can take celery stalks, as well as dill, a little green onions, etc.) to taste, 140 g of cottage cheese, wine vinegar, aromatic spices .

Beets should be baked in foil for about an hour in the oven, choosing a temperature of 200 ° C. Next, cook the vegetable broth, cook black rice in a separate pan. Beat chopped beets, cottage cheese and cooled broth in a blender or using a combine. Then add all the spices and a little vinegar, chopped potatoes and boiled carrots. The dish can be served by putting black rice at the bottom of the plate and pouring it with cream soup. Sweet and sour, slightly creamy, soft, very piquant - this soup combines several different tastes at once!

Asparagus salad with black rice and nuts with lemon dressing

Slice the asparagus diagonally into small pieces. Boil half a liter of water in a saucepan and add asparagus to it, cook until soft for 3 minutes. Drain the water in a separate bowl, and rinse the asparagus in cold water, dry a little. Melt the butter over medium heat using a deep frying pan. Add rice and stir for one minute. Add the broth and water drained from the asparagus into a separate bowl, bring everything to a boil, reduce heat, cover the dish with a lid and cook until rice is soft, 40 minutes. Drain the excess liquid and dry the rice well.

Put rice, green peas, cooked asparagus, finely chopped onions, cilantro, a little mint, chopped nuts and salt to taste in a bowl. Mix well. Combine yogurt, a little lemon juice, zest, pepper and olive oil in one bowl. Pour the cooked salad into the dressing and mix well. If necessary, add more salt, lemon juice and pepper. In a serving bowl, spread the lettuce leaves and put the salad on top with a small slide.

Black Rice Salad

Boil rice in salted water according to the instructions on the packaging. Then throw it in a colander, dry it, put it on a tray and level it, so the croup cools down faster. For fresh herbs, basil, parsley and peppermint, pick a few leaves to decorate the salad.

Put the whole peppers in a refractory form or on a baking sheet, sprinkled with olive oil. Bake at a temperature of 200 ° C for about half an hour, until the peppers are completely soft and the skin is wrinkled. Cool, remove the whole skin and remove the seeds from the inside. Finely chop the pulp. Cut the chili peppers in half, removing the seeds and chopping finely. Mix lemon dressing with lemon juice, a little olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. After cooling, transfer the rice to a bowl, chop the greens finely, add everything together with pepper and chopped chili to the rice. Cut the whole zest from the lemon, chop it with a knife and add to the salad. Pour dressing and mix.

Chicken with sausages and black rice

Preheat the oven at 180 degrees. Rub the chicken thighs with a mixture of salt and pepper. In a cauldron, heat some olive oil over high heat and lay the chicken thighs with the skin down. Fry until golden brown and transfer to a large dish. Cut the sausages and fry, often stirring, then put them on a dish.

Add a little oregano, chopped hot pepper, crushed garlic cloves and onions, chopped into thin rings, into the cauldron. Sauté everything until golden brown. Add rice and continue cooking for 3 minutes. Pour a little wine, bring it to a boil.Add cooked chicken and sausages, broth and season with a little salt and pepper. Cover the cauldron with a lid and bring to a boil. Put the dishes in the oven and bake for an hour. Remove the cauldron from the oven, add the peas, mix and serve. Enjoy your meal!

Interesting facts about rice

1. Unusual is the legend of the origin of rice. After Adam and Eve were expelled from paradise and the Garden of Eden, they were forbidden to take any food with them, especially such a delicious product as rice. Leaving, Adam stepped on the groats, and several grains stuck in the cracks of his heels. Thus, rice went to humanity and gained distribution.
2. In general, rice is the very first crop that people began to cultivate. September 20 is the Day of Rice.
3. Interestingly, using various varieties of rice, including black rice, farmers from Aumori Prefecture in their fields depict giant paintings that can be well seen from the air.
4. The stem height of black rice reaches 3 m.

Photo of black rice