Black rice, also known as forbidden rice or purple rice hails from Oryza Sativa species. The history of black rice goes back to ancient times in China where black rice was cultivated in limited quantities, monitored closely, and reserved for the royal and elite classes. Hence it is also called emperor rice due to its availability in limited quantity as compared to other rice varieties. 

In ancient China, it was considered so unique and nutritious that it was forbidden for all but royalty. Presently there are 200 types of black rice varieties in the world and China alone accounts for about 62% of black rice production in the world. This rice also grows in countries all across the world. Some varieties are short-grained, and some are long-grained. Long-grained rice is slightly healthier since it has less starch, giving it a lower glycemic index. Also, it serves more health benefits as compared to other rice varieties. Some of the health benefits are listed below: 

Health benefits:

Rich in Antioxidants

It contains high antioxidant properties that protect the body from diseases like cancer, heart disease, and other health problems. It can also help improve brain function and reduce inflammation. Mostly, food manufacturers could use black rice extracts to boost the health value of breakfast cereals, beverages, cakes, cookies, and other foods.

 Main source of fiber

It is one of the main sources of fiber that improves the digestive system. Also, it can help promote weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness.

Protects our heart.

Protect the health of your heart by replacing white rice with black rice in your daily diet. It can give you a worthwhile boost on your heart health and overall fitness. 

May Help Prevent Cancer

The anthocyanin content of black rice lends it an anti-cancer characteristic. Some research has suggested that an anthocyanin-rich extract of black rice successfully suppressed tumor growth and spread of breast cancer cells in mice.

Nutrition content:

Black rice is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, anthocyanins, amino acids and other phenolic compounds. Black rice consists of 18 amino acids with a mix of essential and non-essential types.  Amino acids play a vital role in many of your body’s functions including healing and repair your skin, assist in the creation and growth of muscles, connective tissue, and also improves your energy level 

Black rice provides the following nutrients to our body if we serve a half cup of black rice.

• Calories: 160

• Fat: 1.5g

• Carbohydrates: 34g

• Fiber: 2g

• Protein: 5g

• Iron: 4% DV

Cooking black rice:

Dark rice is medium-grain rice that is easy to make and simple to use in different recipes. When cooked, this rice turns a profound purple tone and has a nutty flavor with a delicate surface. Unlike other rice, black rice doesn't cook well in a rice cooker. So, we came up with this article that will guide you through effectively preparing black rice and will give you some hints on how to prepare it when it is made.

Black rice needs a bit more consideration for cooking. Here are the steps to be followed for cooking the black rice.

1. Soak the black rice for at least 1 hour. This will not only reduce the actual time required but also retain its nutrition.

2. Clean the rice and measure out 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice.

3. if the rice is soaked then boil the rice for at least half an hour or if it is not soaked then boil for an hour. 

4. Check the texture of the rice after the above procedure. If the rice is not yet prepared, boil it until you will get the texture you are expecting.

Go ahead, enjoy this healthy rice. Maintain a healthy eating lifestyle and Stay healthy.