The Remarkable Health Benefits Of Indian Red Rice

The Remarkable Health Benefits Of Indian Red Rice

“This rice is a special kind of rice, which gets its red colour due to its anthocyanin content”

Here’s some good news for all you rice lovers out there who are conscious about eating rice to avoid piling on those extra kilos. Red rice can come to your rescue. This rice is a special kind of rice, which gets its red colour due to its anthocyanin content. It is usually partially hulled or not hulled at all and has red husk. Its flavour is nutty and compared to polished rice, it has its germ intact and is extremely nutritious.

Raktashali, Thai Red Cargo Rice, Bhutanese Red Rice, Camargue Red Rice (grown in France), Kerala Matta Rice are a few varieties of rod rice. The Matta Red Rice is grown in the Palakkad district of Kerala and is popular in Sri Lanka too. Red rice is packed with nutrients and has a battery of health benefits, some of which are listed here.

Health Advantages Of Red Rice

High Fibre Content

Red rice consists of a good amount of fibre and about one-quarter cup of red rice consists of about two grams of fibre, which is roughly eight per cent of our daily fibre requirement. In comparison with white rice, which only has simple carbohydrates, red rice contains complex carbohydrates due to its high fibre content. Fibre aids in bowel movement and prevents constipation. Fibre also has its role in lowering the risk of diabetes, heart disease, obesity etc.

Controls Blood Sugar Levels

Red rice has a low glycemic index which is a number that indicates the potential of a carbohydrate to increase blood sugar. As red rice is low in glycemic index and has high fibre content, it helps in regulating blood sugar levels as well as insulin production. Thus, it helps in diabetes control and Is an ideal solution for diabetics who love rice.

Improves Heart Health And Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Red rice is known to lower blood LDL cholesterol which is the bad cholesterol. It therefore contributes to keeping our heart healthy. The magnesium present in this rice also helps in maintaining blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attacks.

Lowers Obesity Risk

The high fibre content of red rice renders it as a helpful tool in weight management. It leaves you feeling lull and you tend to eat fewer calories. Thus, it helps in maintaining a healthy weight. Moreover, red rice also provides energy to the body and helps in digestion.

A Good Source Of Iron

Red rice is rich in iron and this mineral is essentially required by the body to carry oxygen. In case of a lack of iron, your body may not get enough oxygen it needs and this will ultimately make you feel fatigued and lower your immunity. Red rice can thus help you cope with iron deficiency.

Rich In Vitamin B6

Red rice Is rich in vitamin B6 which is an important vitamin for your body system. It is needed for proper functioning of your organs. It Is also required for red blood cells formation and for DNA synthesis which carries the genetic information of each individual. Apart from B6, red rice consists of other B complex vitamins as well, which are required for good health.

Contains Powerful Antioxidant Properties

Red rice consists of anthocyanin, manganese and zinc which have antioxidant properties. They protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals which are formed inside the body and damage the body cells and tissues.

This property helps delay the ageing process of skin and helps keep wrinkles at bay, helps prevent risk of cancer, strengthens immunity and provides you with the power to fight a host of infections. Additionally, anthocyanin helps reduce inflammation, zinc has great wound healing power and is good for brain function, manganese helps in strengthening metabolism.

Good For Bone Health

Red rice is a great source of calcium and magnesium, both of which are essential to maintain bone health. Calcium and magnesium are important nutrients needed to build healthy bones. The deficiency of these minerals can result in osteoporosis and low bone density, later in life.

Especially for post- menopausal women, it can be very painful. Red rice might work as a boon in such cases. It has been seen that regular consumption of red rice can also help relieve joint pain.

Provides Relief From Asthma

Magnesium in red rice helps alleviate asthma symptoms and restores normal breathing.

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