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The Forbidden Rice - Black Rice

Yes, The 'forbidden rice'. The secret of the fascinating terminology goes back to Ancient China, where a black variant of rice was reserved solely for the Emperor and the Royal Family, due to its nutritional profile and healing abilities for betterment of kidneys, stomach and liver. Black rice then became a property for the royalty and the wealthy only in Ancient China. Black rice continued to be cultivated but only for the elite classes, in limited quantities and under strict surveillance. And hence the name – The Forbidden Rice!

Black rice or the forbidden rice (Chinese) is a rare and a very old variety of rice that has been growing in India for centuries. It is mainly grown in the North East region (called as Chak Hao) and the southern parts (called as Kavuni in Tamil) of India.

Benefits of Black Rice:

1. Rich in Antioxidants

The deep black or the purple shade of the black rice is an indicator of its high antioxidant properties. The outermost layer of the grain (the bran and the hull), contains immense amounts of the antioxidant-anthocyanin. In fact the amount of anthocyanin contained in black rice is higher than any other grain, including brown rice, red rice, red quinoa, or other coloured whole grain varieties. Anthocyanin can help prevent cardiovascular disease, restricting free radical movements which can cause variety of diseases like diabetes and even cancer. It can also help improve brain function and reduce inflammation.

2. Natural Detoxifier

The phytonutrients present in black rice help cleanse the body of disease causing toxins. Black rice helps the liver to eliminate unwanted substances through its antioxidant activity.

3. Good Source of Fibre

The black rice has about 3 grams of fibre per half cup serving. This rich fibre content helps regulate the bowel movements, prevent constipation, diarrhoea and bloating. The fibre helps bind the toxins and waste within the digestive tract, and flush it all out of the system on completion of the cycle of digestion.
Fibre also gives your body a satiated feeling after consumption which prevents you from binging into other fatty food, thus aiding weight loss.

4. Preventing Risk of Diabetes

The entire bran of the grain is where the all the fibre is stored in the black rice. The fibre is able to help glucose (sugar) from the grain to be absorbed by the body over a longer duration of time, (Since fibre take the longest to digest), thereby maintaining consistent sugar levels.

5. Preventing Risk of Obesity

For people battling obesity, black rice is the best variant of rice to consume. Full of fibre, black rice not only gives you the feeling of being full, thus preventing overeating; studies show that the rice variant can also help prevent insulin resistance, which is often linked to the risk of developing diabetes and obesity.

6. Richer Protein Content

Proteins are very essential in building muscles, and cutting down on excess weight. Black rice also offers a minutely increased amount of protein content over other 'healthier variants'. It contains 8.5gms of protein in a 100gms serving, while brown and red rice contains 8gms and 7gms of protein respectively for the same serving. On the other hand, polished white rice contains only 6.8gms of protein.

7. Better Heart Health

The anthocyanins phytochemicals found in black rice, reduces the Low Density Lipo-protein (LDL) cholesterol also known as the bad cholesterol, which is a common contributor to cardiovascular diseases. It also brings down the total cholesterol levels.

Therefore, the nutritional value of black rice is superior to its white and brown relatives present in the market today. Whole grain black rice retains all its original natural properties as it does not go through a polishing process.
Since black rice doesn't undergo any refining or processing, it is able to retain its antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Black rice also contains important antioxidant- Vitamin E, which is useful in maintaining eye, skin, and immune health.

Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. FTI Food Tech Pvt. Ltd. is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of FTI Food Tech Pvt. Ltd. and FTI Food Tech Pvt. Ltd. does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

WHEATGRASS

Wheatgrass is primarily used as a concentrated source of nutrients. It contains vitamins A, C and E, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium and Amino acids. The above ground parts and roots are used to make medicine. It contains the full range of Vitamins B, Phosphorus, Sodium and Potassium in a balanced ratio.

Uses:

1. Helps in increasing the production of hemoglobin.
2. Improves blood sugar disorders.
3. Prevents tooth decay.
4. Prevents bacterial infections.
5. Treats urinary tract disorders.
6. Respiratory disorders like common cold, Bronchitis, Fever and Sore throat.
7. Improves wound healing.
8. Helps in treating lever disorders.
9. Treats joint pain.
10. Helps in fighting chronic skin problems.

Wheatgrass juice cleanses the body from head to toe of any heavy metals, pollutants and other toxins that may be stored in the body's tissues or organs. The juice must be consumed fresh - within 15 minutes of juicing for best results. It should always be taken undiluted and on an empty stomach.

Wheatgrass cleanses and builds the blood due to its high content of Chlorophyll, the high content of oxygen in Chlorophyll helps to deliver more oxygen to the blood. In foods and beverages wheat grass extracts are used as a flavoring component.

Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. FTI Food Tech Pvt. Ltd. is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of FTI Food Tech Pvt. Ltd. and FTI Food Tech Pvt. Ltd. does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Oats and Oat Straw

We all know that oats are whole grains packed with nutrients to help keep our body healthy. They contain nutrients like Thaimin, Riboflavin, Carbohydrate, Protein etc.

But 'oat straw' is also as useful. It is used in the treatment of a number of human sickness or discomfort.They contain Protein, carotene, magnesium, iron calcium, vitamins B1,B2, D, E.

It helps in reducing cholesterol naturally, also increases stamina and is hence suggested to people recovering from long-term illness to help rebuild their strength.The plant is also used in herbal treatments for insomnia or multiple sclerosis, anxiety and ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).Consumption of oats helps to naturally lower blood sugar levels in the body.

Oat straw does not contain gluten like other grains such as wheat, barley and rye. But in rare cases they are grown in the same fields as wheat or barley and these crops can sometimes contaminate oats with gluten. Therefore people suffering from gluten intolerance may have to exercise caution when eating oats.

There are no known drug or nutrient interaction associated with the use of oat straw but if you are allergic to oat flour then avoid having products containing oat straw.

Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. FTI Food Tech Pvt. Ltd. is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of FTI Food Tech Pvt. Ltd. and FTI Food Tech Pvt. Ltd. does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.