Black Rice also called purple rice or forbidden rice is deep black in color covered with thick bran when uncooked and liberates a purple color alongside a pleasant flavor after cooking. The rice is similar to nuts in terms of hardness and sweet in taste.
Black Rice Nutrition Information
Black Rice is a major source of high end nutrition for growth and development in the body. It contains 18 vital amino acids so is a good source of protein. One of the most important factors of consideration about Black Rice Nutrition is that it is the affordable alternative to blueberries that provide anthocyanin antioxidants and do not contain much sugar content. It is also rich in mineral content having potassium, zinc, iron, carotene, and copper. As regards the Black Rice Nutrition diet, a cup of the rice in raw state has about 160 calories, which has 34 g carbohydrates, 1.5 g fat, 7.5 g of protein, and about 2 g of fiber.
How to Cook Black Rice?
People often come up with the question- How to Cook Black Rice? The rice increases twice the original volume after cooking so you have to take the measure accordingly. Too much of washing the rice will reduce the nutritional value of the grains hence do not repeat washing more than thrice. After washing, drain the water completely. You can even soak the grains overnight or you can simply cook after washing.
For preparing Black Rice take the rice and water in the ratio of 1:2 i.e. for one cup of rice you need to add two cups of water to cook it properly. To enrich the taste further chicken or vegetable stock can also be used instead of water. Simply add the rice to the water or stock in proper quantities and bring to boil. Now lower the flame and cover the pan and simmer for about 50 to 60 minutes.
If your rice is soaked in water overnight it will take less time to cook. Avoid over cooking to retain the taste and nutritional value of the rice. If the black rice is soaked overnight then it should take around 25 to 30 minutes to cook.
Black Rice Health Benefits
–> One of the major Black Rice Health Benefits is that it is a better alternative compared to white rice and brown rice owing to the presence of antioxidants that help to prevent the formation of free radicals in the body. The emergence of free radicals in the body leads to premature aging of the skin. Hence you can retain a younger looking skin for years.
–> It is rich in vitamin E which is good for the skin and strengthening the immunity.
–> Being a good source of fiber and vitamin B, it acts as roughage to regulate comfortable bowel movements and help to regulate the metabolism.
–> Among the other major black rice health benefits is the presence of anthocyanin antioxidants which helps to protect the body against vital diseases such as cancer, cardiac complications etc.
–> There is non sugar content in black rice that makes it a suitable option for people suffering from diabetes.