Health fanatics have managed to turn the masses away from white rice and towards brown rice. However, there is a type of rice which touts amazing health benefits and it might throw brown rice off of its pedestal – and that’s purple rice.
Purple rice, also known as black rice, is named after its deep, dark purple colour. It has been popular in Asia for many years and it is said that the Emperor of China kept the rice solely for himself and his family which resulted in this rice also being known as the ‘forbidden rice’. Today, anyone can eat it and the health benefits prove that everyone should be eating it.
Purple rice contains more micronutrients than refined rice and brown rice. This nutrient-dense carbohydrate results in many health benefits such as:
Improved Digestion
Purple rice is high in fibre which makes it the ideal food source for combating constipation, bloating, and other digestive disturbances.
An added benefit of a fibre-rich diet is that it will keep you feeling full for longer, which aids in the prevention of obesity by stopping people from overeating. Many people do not consume enough fibre in their day to day lives, therefore a whole grain like purple rice is hugely beneficial to the public.
Improved Heart Health and Prevention of Heart Disease
Purple rice keeps the arteries clear by preventing plaque build-up in the arteries. Purple rice also lowers the cholesterol levels in the blood. Both of these health improvements prevent heart attacks and other heart diseases.
Heart disease is one of the most common ailments affecting the population of the world, therefore, it is important for everyone to eat a variety of heart healthy foods.
Prevention of Cancer
Purple rice is loaded with antioxidants – so much so that it is the high antioxidant content which gives the rice its dark purple colour (similar to blueberries which are also packed with antioxidants).
Purple rice contains a higher level of an antioxidant known as anthocyanin than any other food. Anthocyanin is known for preventing cardiovascular disease, improving brain function, and reducing the risk of the formation of cancer cells.
Detoxification of the Body
Purple rice is known for relieving the body of harmful toxic build-up and cleanses the liver. Purple rice contains phytonutrients which reduce inflammation and cleanse the body of harmful substances.
Also Read: How safe is red rice here
Prevention of Diabetes
The high fibre content of whole grains like purple rice slows down the breakdown of food which slows down the absorption of sugar. This results in stable insulin levels that will not spike in the way that they would after consuming refined grains. This helps to prevent diabetes, which is caused by too much or too little insulin in the system.
Naturally Gluten Free
This is an added bonus for anyone who is gluten intolerant.
Prevention of Obesity
As previously touched on, purple rice is great for combating and preventing obesity. People who struggle to lose weight should eat purple rice because it will signal to the brain that they are full and prevent them from overeating. This will ensure that people eat less and the stable blood sugar levels will stop cravings for unhealthy snacks.
The health benefits of purple rice far outweigh refined grains and it is certainly superior among unrefined whole grains. It should be incorporated into any balanced and healthy diet.