Black rice is a functional food due to its usefulness to health. It contains more proteins, vitamins, and minerals than white rice. Black rice contains essential amino acids like lysine and tryptophan; vitamins such as vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and folic acid; it is a good source of minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, and selenium. It contains the highest amount of antioxidants, protein, and dietary fiber of all rice varieties. Besides, it has phenolic, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Antioxidants are the first line of defense against free radical damage and are critical for maintaining optimum health and well-being. These antioxidant compounds have tremendous health benefits and can reduce the risk of developing various chronic diseases. This rice enhances health and longevity, protects heart health, reduces atherosclerosis, controls hypertension, improves the digestive system, has anti-inflammatory action, reduces allergy, detoxifies the body, improves lipid profile, reduces the risk of diabetes, helps in weight management, reduces the growth of cancer, boost cognitive function and increases the quality of life. Hence Black rice is an excellent alternative to white and brown rice due to its nutrient density, high fiber content, and rich antioxidant content. Black rice is known for its high nutritional value and is a source of iron, vitamin E, antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Recently, it has gained more popularity as functional food or Superfood due to its usefulness for human health. Also called Forbidden Rice or Emperor Rice is a healthier alternative to white rice. Black rice also possesses anti-carcinogenic properties. It is also traditionally served to pregnant women to reduce complexity during childbirth and used as medicine by diabetic patients.
Effects on Heart The most notable and beneficial antioxidant in black rice is anthocyanin. This Rice bran contains the maximum amount of anthocyanin and antioxidants. Once cooked, it takes on a purple color from a flavonoid called anthocyanin pigment. Anthocyanin is a phytochemical found in plants. Anthocyanins present in Black Rice can reduce plaque build-up within arteries, which results in High Blood Pressure; accelerates heart failures and strokes. Reducing plaque build-up in the arteries helps in reducing cardiovascular and heart disease. It also lowers triglycerides and improves HDL levels. HDL is the type of good cholesterol that a healthy cardiovascular system needs for better functioning. It also prevents the hardening of the arteries, which results in heart failure. Black Rice is a good source of dietary fiber linked to preventing heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and elevated blood sugar levels. A diet containing black rice is effective in controlling hyperlipidemia. Black rice is an excellent alternative to white rice and brown rice due to its nutrient density, high fiber content, and rich antioxidant content. Black rice is a nutraceutical and functional food other than preventing many diseases. Researchers suggest that except for curing many diseases and illnesses, this rice consumption may promote heart and liver health, weight loss, blood glucose level control, and lipid profile. It also prevents and controls inflammation and cancer.