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Why is it called “The Mother of All Cures”?
From the famed pulaos of the snowy Kashmir hills to the delicious idlis of the tropical Tamil Nadu, rice has been a staple in major parts of the world. Rice has gained the status of the most important crop due to its fast cultivation period. It played a major role in the food-revival revolution. The indigenous paddy varieties and their relative health benefits have constantly been a subject of debate among nutritionists.
Which colored rice is the most healthy?
Apart from the widely known varieties- white rice and brown rice; there is yet another contestant in the debate- the Navara or Red Rice. As curious as the name sounds, so are its diverse health advantages. Cultivated widely in Palakkad or “Kerala’s Rice Bowl,” red rice has two varieties- the black glumed and the white glumed. It is also a native crop in the other countries surrounding the Himalayan belt like Nepal and Bhutan.
Why is it called “Red Rice”?
Navara rice derives its title as the “Red Rice,” from the characteristic red hue of the grains. The reddish color is due the presence of abundant antioxidants along with flavonoids, like myricetin, anthocyanins apigenin, and quercetin. Generally hulled, navara rice also comes in unhulled and semi-hulled varieties, but when making a choice the hulled version is the best due to the benefits from rice bran.
What is the Nutritional Composition of Navara?
Navara rice is an excellent source of essential minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium,and potassium along with Vitamin B, complex carbs, fibre, and proteins. It provides a great dose of polyphenols, antioxidants, flavonoids including oryzanol, pro anthocyanidin, and tricin among many others.
Here is the nutrient profile of 100g of Navara Rice:
Energy: 351.46 Kcal
Carbohydrates: 71.22 gms
Protein: 9.67 gms
Fat: 3.1 gms
Zinc: 14.85 mg
Iron: 0.88 mg
Vit B6: 1.97 mg
Navara rice can be either directly consumed, or in the form of a cereal, or powdered form with milk. It imparts a rich aroma, and has several medicinal properties- antioxidants, anti-viral properties, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic properties, immunomodulatory, and anti-cancer properties. This is why it is known as the “Mother of All Cures.”
It can also be consumed by boiling in water like the regular paddy, but make sure to cook it completely, and utilize the water as well, as it consists dissolved antioxidants.
What are the Health Benefits of Navara Rice?
Navara is a multi-functional variety of rice with numerous medicinal and nutritional values. It is easily digestible and suited to all age groups of people. According to Ayurveda, it is a cereal that can improve rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, oligospermia, haemorrhoids, tuberculosis, lactation, and emanciation.
Let’s see some of its benefits in detail:
1. Regulation of Glycemic Index
Navara rice aid in regulation of the insulin level in the body. Its low glycemic index keeps the blood sugar level in check, and is a boon for the diabetic patients.
It helps to reduce the cholesterol levels in the body, and also reduce the risk of diseases that are progressed through diabetes such as, hyperlipidemia, hypercalciuria, fatty liver, kidney stones, cancer, and heart diseases.
2. Prevention from Asthma
Navara rice is rich in magnesium which helps in regulating pulmonary function in the body. Thus, it allows in better respiratory function through optimum oxygen transfer, preventing blockages and diseases like asthma, bronchitis, etc.
3. Enhances Oxygen Absorption
Red rice is an excellent package of iron, which aids in improving the haemoglobin levels, thereby enhancing oxygen absorption and circulation to the different cells and tissues of the body. A daily consumption increases the oxygen intake, making you feel energetic and mentally active.
4. Improves Digestion
Red rice is loaded with complex carbohydrates and fibres which improve digestion. The abundance of soluble and insoluble fibers and antioxidants, helps to flush the toxins from the body, eases bowel movement, and prevents diseases like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), etc.
5. Promotes A Healthy Heart
Red rice is a whole grain packed with several natural goodness including anti-inflammatory properties, and plenty rice bran which aid in reduction of LDL or bad cholesterol in the body. This further prevents heart diseases and related problems.
6. Rejuvenates Energy
Navara rice is the ideal choice for people who wish to lose weight as it consists of fibre instead of unhealthy carbs. The rice bran from it helps to keep you satiated for longer periods of time, thus diminishing your cravings for processed or fast foods. Moreover, it reduces your calorie intake, and the antioxidants detoxify your body.
Furthermore, the vitamin B1 (thiamine) presence in red rice aids reducing neuritis, fatigue, muscle weakness, and more Vitamin B1 deficiency-symptoms. The high content of calcium, potassium, and magnesium can enhance muscle activity in patients of muscle wasting.
Red rice aids in making you feel rejuvenated, recuperated, ready to tackle the world with enhanced health.
Conclusion: Which is Better - Red Rice or White Rice?
It becomes apparent from the above information that red rice is highly beneficial. On the other hand, white rice doesn’t have much benefits. Moreover, white rice has simple carbs, while red rice contain complex carbs, making it far healthier.
The major differentiating factor between the rice varieties is the presence of abundant antioxidants, along with a plethora of essential minerals such as potassium, manganese, iron, zinc, and so on, which make red rice the better lifestyle choice.
Invest in your health, and make a switch today from polished, milled rice to red rice.
Thank you for reading!!
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Source Credits: Literature on Internet
Disclaimer: The article’s intention is to create awareness among the people on right food choices, and does not intend to substitute the advice of a medical practitioner in any way. In case if you are on medication for diabetes or any other disease condition and not sure whether it would be fine with you to consume Navara Rice, kindly consult your doctor before consuming.
Try our Desi Navara Rice, to keep your sugar levels in check.
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