Black Rice the Forbidden Rice

Last night I had Black Rice for the first time.  It was not too bad.  Black Rice is also known as the Forbidden rice is rice from the variety of Chinese rice belonging to the Oryza Sativa L family.   It is aptly named the Forbidden Rice because if you weren’t from royalty you were forbidden to eat it.  It was cultivated in small quantities mostly for the rich and royal families.  Most of us have never seen or heard of Black Rice.  Don’t stress!   There’s so many health secrets that have been kept hidden from us. So even if you are the best nutritionist and health expert you probably have not heard of this hidden gem.

But you are here, so you get to learn about this amazing food which is gaining popularity.  Black Rice tastes nothing like its counterparts white rice and wild rice.  Black Rice is much denser and chewier with a nutty aroma and flavor.  As it is boiled the rice becomes more of a purplish color and in some parts of the world, the rice is known as purple rice. What I love about Black Rice is its nutritional value.  As I recently incorporated food into my diet to make me heart healthy and reduce my blood sugars due to Diabetes, finding food that lowers my blood pressure and reduce my glycemic index is vitally important to me.  Here’s what I have learned about Black Rice’s nutritional value.

Black Rice Nutrition Facts

Black rice has been recently gaining much popularity owing to the health benefits it provides which are because of its impressive nutrition profile. It is a rich source of antioxidants, fiber, plant-based proteins which makes it great for the healthy functioning of your body. Besides, it is quite low in calories thus you can include it in your diet without any worry.

A cup of cooked black rice provides you with:

How healthy is black rice?

Black Rice is healthier than white rice for sure. It is an excellent alternative to white and is a great source for plant protein and fiber.  Black rice contains many flavonoids and is rich in anthocyanins and we need these because foods with potent antioxidants is great at preventing diseases like cancer.  Also, it is packed with vitamins and minerals that help keep you fit and healthy.  It promotes health.  Here are things that it helps

1. Contains many antioxidants
2. Helps to Fight Cancer
3. Aids in Blood Pressure
4. Great for Digestion
5. Gluten Free
6. Detoxify the body
7. Improves Mood
8. Can improve weight loss
9. Great for Diabetics
10. Heart Healthy

HOW TO COOK BLACK RICE

1.  Soak rice overnight or at least a few hours (if time permits)
2. Drain and wash the rice
3. For every cup of rice double the water or vegetable stock
4. Cook until done with lid on (doesn’t get fluffy as white rice)
5. Season as desired or garnish