This rice has a rich cultural history. According to the famous Chinese lore, this rice was considered superior and rare. It was reserved only for the royal family in ancient China owing to its royal color, health benefits, and healing power. None of the localities or even cultivators of the grain were allowed to consume this rice. If found eating without the royal permission, their life was in awful jeopardy.
How did this rice end up black? Was the King right when he decided to keep it all to himself? Is black rice worth the popularity?
Black rice is an unusual variety of rice, deep dark in color, like a purplish black and is a rare food. The rich dark color of the rice is because of the excess of anthocyanin in it. It has a sweet aroma and a nutty taste with a soft texture. This rice has a serious cut above other rice when it comes to nutritional benefit .
Black is said to be the new green and this rice is better than the brown one. Mainly, because the bran hull that is retained in the black rice is loaded with a significant amount of Vitamin E which prevents your cells and tissue from free radical damage and boost the immune system. Also, the anthocyanins are linked with several positive health effects including anti-inflammatory properties and proper insulin regulation.
This rice is praised globally for its serious nutritional cut and health benefits. Antioxidants in the rice reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and prevent several heart problems. It detoxifies your body and improves digestive health. This inky rice is said to be rice better for weight loss and preventing obesity. The fiber slows down the absorption of sugar in the blood stream and can help prevent diabetes and reduces the problems associated with diabetes. It also boosts your memory and brain function. Nepali hill farmers who cultivate this rice claims that it is good for the maternal period and recommends it over nutritionally inferior white rice.
This rice is no longer forbidden. On the contrary, it is the darling of health food lovers and gourmet chefs. It is certainly a healthy variety of rice, though not a miracle cure. Besides being healthy, it can also add colors and flavors to your meal, unlike to the normal boring white rice.