BLOG

Black rice, also known as 'forbidden' rice, is one of the rarest types of rice in the world. The truth is that it has been given the name 'forbidden' due to the interesting story that accompanies it. In the past, this type of rice was grown in very small quantities, in order to satisfy the demands of the Emperor of China, and no one else. Although no such limitations exist today, we still don't come across this rice around the world very often. Are we missing out on something, by ignoring this food, previously limited only to the Emperor? The answer is clearly yes. Ancient and modern Chinese medicine is known globally for its innovative practices, including this rice.

Black rice is probably the most nutritious type of rice there is, from a nutritional standpoint. It is packed with antioxidants that help to release free radicals in the body,and get rid of environmental pollutants, bringing cell health to a state of homeostasis. The characteristic black colour of this rice is due to its high concentration of anthocyanins. This powerful antioxidant is also found in other superfoods, such as acai berries, blueberries, etc.

Moreover, anthocyanins are seen to help in the maintenance of cardiovascular health. High concentrations of anthocyanins in our diet help to prevent atherosclerosis in our blood vessels, and regulate the lipid profile in our blood. Finally, black rice is the type of rice with the highest levels of protein, iron and fibre, making it ideal for weight loss, exercise performance and growth in children and adolescents.