For years nutritionists have been telling us to choose brown rice over white. Well now there’s a new player in town – black rice.
Black rice has been consumed in China for centuries. In fact some still call it “forbidden rice” because it was served to the Emperor and was forbidden for anyone else to eat.
The nutritional values in black rice are very similar to those of brown rice, both containing iron and fiber, but black rice also contains anthyocyanins which are plant based pigments that have extremely strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Some scientists are even calling black rice the new super food.
Black rice comes in a dark, blackish color but when it is cooked it turns almost a purple-burgundy color because of the presence of the anthocyanins. It is slightly more expensive and takes slightly longer to cook than brown rice but produces the same nutty sweet flavor that is great for serving as a side dish or in stir fries. It is also commonly made into a rice pudding because of its beautiful color. If you cannot find it at your local grocery store – try an Asian market or a reputable online site.
Rice can be such a versatile ingredient, and choosing black rice ensures you get great nutritional value as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits which are fantastic for your body and skin.