Black Sweet Rice

What is black sweet rice?

In reality, there are other varieties of black rice, such as Thai jasmine black rice, Indonesian black rice, Philippine balatinaw black rice, and pirurutong black glutinous rice. This medium-grain rice has its origins around 10,000 years ago in China and other regions of Asia. Its other well-known name, "forbidden rice," derives from the fact that it was previously only permissible for the Chinese emperor to eat it in order to preserve his health and longevity. Black rice is now readily available in Asian specialty markets and your neighborhood grocer. The color of black rice, which is essentially the result of a gene mutation, is what distinguishes it from other grains that are identical to it. It appears black while raw, but when cooked, it takes on more of a deep purple hue. The distinct color is attributed to the presence of anthocyanins in the bran hull, or outermost layer, of the grain. Depending on their pH, these chemical compounds—which are the same pigments that give Concord grapes, blueberries, and eggplants their color—can look red, purple, blue, or black. In terms of flavor, black rice is comparable to brown rice in that it has a subtle, nutty taste. Because of its very chewy texture, it's often used in rice cakes, puddings, and porridge. Black rice is inherently gluten-free, which will suit people who avoid gluten.

How to use black sweet rice? 

Black rice is a popular option for those who are health-conscious since it is also high in fiber, antioxidants, and other minerals. Conversely, black sweet rice, often referred to as black glutinous rice, is a kind of sticky rice that is frequently used in traditional Asian cuisines and sweets.

Black sweet rice benefits:

Black rice is a popular option for those who are health-conscious since it is also high in fiber, antioxidants, and other minerals. Conversely, black sweet rice, often referred to as black glutinous rice, is a kind of sticky rice that is frequently used in traditional Asian cuisines and sweets.

◉ Black rice is a good source of protein and iron: A 100-gram portion of black rice has slightly less than 9 grams of protein, according to the USDA. In comparison, a dish of brown rice the same size only has 7 grams of protein. Additionally, black rice is a good source of iron (approximately 2.4 mg per serving), which is necessary for the body to properly absorb oxygen.

◉ Black rice promotes heart health: Yes, consuming black rice may help maintain a healthy heart. Flavonoids, antioxidants included in black rice, have been shown in a 2019 research to potentially lower the risk of heart disease-related death. Furthermore, preliminary studies indicate that anthocyanins may contribute to lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which is beneficial for heart health.

◉ Black rice is beneficial for eye health: Recall the carotenoids we discussed earlier—found in black rice, that is? It has been shown that two of these carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, enhance eye health. More precisely, these substances protect the retina by blocking harmful blue light wavelengths, according to 2018 research. According to other studies, lutein and zeaxanthin may shield the eyes against age-related macular degeneration, a condition that may result in blindness.

◉ Black rice is packed with antioxidants: Brown rice, get over here! In fact, black rice has the greatest total antioxidant activity and capacity of any kind of rice, according to a 2018 research. This is mostly because of the anthocyanins it contains. Anthocyanins, which are antioxidants, aid in shielding your cells from oxidative stress, which has been scientifically connected to a higher chance of developing heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and various forms of cancer.".

Where to buy Black Sweet Rice? 

Buy Black Sweet Rice from the health food store in the USA, Alive Herbals.

Black Sweet Rice information (at a glance):