Chinese Black-rice
"Forbidden" Black-rice ~ Super Grains
Scientists Hail Health Benefits Forbidden or black-rice, revered in ancient China but overlooked in the West, could be one of the greatest "superfoods", scientists believe. Just a spoonful of the bran contains more health-promoting anthocyanin antioxidants than are found in a spoonful of blueberries, but with less sugar and more fiber and vitamin-E antioxidants. Also know as "forbidden rice", this is one type of rice, which turns to a deep purple when it's cooked. Don't be alarmed though, the rich color of forbidden rice makes an impressive addition to any dish, and turns the water it's cooked in a dark purple. The black color of uncooked, forbidden rice is due to its outer coating of black bran. This also gives the rice a rich nutty flavor when it's cooked and adds to its nutrition, as the bran provides important dietary fiber. Forbidden rice, also known as Chinese black-rice, is especially popular with vegans and vegetarians, but is beginning to gain main-stream popularity. Forbidden rice provides other nutrients, including the amino acids common to most rice varietals. It contains phytonutrients, or phytochemicals, which provide antioxidants and other health benefits. In addition, this rice provides many minerals important for human health, including iron. This black-rice is a type of heirloom rice, meaning that it is open-pollinated, was grown at earlier times in history, and not grown on a large scale in modern agriculture. Forbidden rice can be found at many health food stores or organic food stores. It can also sometimes be found in Asian markets. Forbidden rice may have gotten its name because only emperors in ancient China were allowed to eat it, due to its rarity and high nutritional value. Another thought for the origin of its name is the possibility that the Greeks banned the rice when they conquered the Middle East. They may have done this believing that the rice somehow helped their enemies in battle. An analysis of black-rice bran from rice grown in the southern United States revealed that it may be healthier than brown rice. Forbidden rice has much higher levels of nutrients and amino acids than regular rice varieties. In addition, this rice has minerals, iron, fiber and a nutritional profile somewhat similar to brown rice. Moreover, it is especially rich in anthocyanins, which give this variety an edge over brown rice. Forbidden rice, with its pleasing, nutty flavor, is a tasty alternative to less nutritious white rice and provides another healthy alternative to brown rice. It’s more difficult to find than other types of rice, but many health food stores and Oriental markets now offer it. Expect to pay a little more for it than you pay for brown rice, but the extra cost may be worth it.
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