Why black rice? Check out the health benefits:
Black rice is a good source of minerals, including iron, as well as fiber and has a nutritional profile somewhat similar to brown rice. The presence of anthyocyanins gives it a nutritional edge over brown rice.
What are anthocyanins?
Black rice gets its dark color from the presence of flavonoid pigments known as anthocyanins, plant based pigments with strong antioxidant properties. Anthocyanins are the same pigments that give many dark red and purple berries such as blackberries, dark cherries, and raspberries their rich color and health benefits. According to Dr. Zhimin Xu, Ph.D., an associate professor at Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, in Baton Rouge, "black-rice bran has an advantage over blueberries, because blueberries still contain a high level of sugar." Best of all, according to Joe Vinson, Ph.D., a professor of chemistry at the University of Scranton, in Pennsylvania, "Some antioxidants in brown rice are fat-soluble, while Anthocyanins are water-soluble and can therefore reach different areas of the body.(2)"
Anthyocyanins are being studied for their role in preventing a variety of chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Much of their benefit appears to stem from their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Another added benefit black rice may help prevent heart attacks. In 2008, a group of scientists studied the effects of Anthocyanins on the heart. This study, which was published in the Journal of Nutrition and used mice as its primary source, concluded that Anthocyanins are capable of preventing the progression of atherosclerotic plaques, the main cause of most heart attacks, in the main arteries of the heart. The study also established that Anthocyanins play a key role in lowering triglycerides. Most astonishing of all was the finding that Anthocyanins are just as effective in lowering cholesterol levels as the prescription drug Simvastatin, a drug used to lower cholesterol levels (2).
Black Rice Pudding
Ingredients:
- 1½ cup water
- 1/2 cup ground black rice
- 2 cups Hemp milk (or any other milk)
- 1/3 cup raw honey (more if you have a sweet tooth)
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Bring water and ground rice to boil in medium saucepan, cover and simmer at low heat for 8-10 minute until most of water is absorbed.
Add milk, honey and vanilla. Cover and bring to boil. Cook on low heat 35 to 45 min. or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat; stir in coconut flakes well blended. Pour into glass dish. Garnish with coconut flakes. Cool slightly. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until chilled.
Read more: http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/black-rice-pudding.html#ixzz2irEJ3hlz
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