Red rice has several health benefits, such as helping to lower cholesterol, improving intestinal health and preventing anemia, as it is a very nutritious food, rich in iron and fiber, as well as antioxidant substances, such as anthocyanin, which is responsible for its characteristic red color.
Furthermore, this grain also helps to reduce body weight, as it increases satiety between meals, reducing appetite throughout the day due to the amount of fiber it contains.
Red rice is easy to prepare and can be cooked in the same way as white rice, and it is recommended that it be toasted in a little olive oil before cooking to ensure a better consistency.
Main benefits
The main benefits of red rice are:
1. Helps reduce cholesterol
Red rice goes through a natural fermentation process that produces a substance called monacolin K, which is responsible for the effect this rice has on reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol.
Furthermore, the fiber present in this whole grain also helps to reduce the absorption of fat in the intestine and better control cholesterol levels.
2. Improves gut health
Because it is rich in fiber, red rice helps to increase the size of stool and mobilize the gastrointestinal tract, favoring its exit, being excellent for people who have constipation.
3. Previne and anemia
Red rice is rich in iron, a mineral essential for the adequate transport of oxygen in the blood and to prevent and combat anemia. In addition, it also contains vitamin B6, which is important to help treat sideroblastic anemia.
4. Prevents cardiovascular diseases and cancer
In addition to helping to reduce cholesterol, red rice also helps prevent cardiovascular diseases and cancer due to its high content of antioxidants, substances that protect blood vessels from the formation of atheroma plaques and, consequently, protect the body from problems such as heart attack. and stroke.
Furthermore, it also promotes adequate cell renewal, stimulating the immune system to fight potentially cancerous cells.
5. Promotes weight loss
Red rice helps you lose weight as it is rich in fiber, nutrients that reduce hunger and increase the feeling of fullness for longer. Understand how rice can help you lose weight.
In addition, fiber helps prevent blood sugar spikes, which reduces the accumulation of fat in the body and fat production.
6. May Help Prevent Diabetes
Because it is rich in anthocyanins, red rice could help prevent diabetes. This antioxidant could help regulate blood sugar levels, because according to some studies it acts directly on an enzyme that controls blood glucose.
Furthermore, it has a medium glycemic index, that is, it moderately increases blood sugar levels, helping to regulate glucose levels in people who have diabetes and/or insulin resistance.
Nutritional information
The following table shows the nutritional composition for 100 g of red rice:
It is important to remember that the benefits of red rice are obtained especially when associated with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
If you want to know how to consume red rice in a healthy diet, make an appointment with the nutritionist closest to you:
Taking care of your health has never been easier!
How to consume
Red rice has a very pleasant flavor, more intense than white rice, and is a very versatile grain, and can be used to prepare cold dishes, such as salads, or hot dishes, such as stews, stews, vegetable fillings and/or as an ingredient. of veggie burger.
Unlike white rice, red rice takes longer to cook and is recommended to soak the day before. Furthermore, before putting it in the water, it is recommended to toast it a little in olive oil so that it has a better consistency.
Red rice has all the essential amino acids, with the exception of lysine, and it is recommended to combine it with vegetables, other cereals or nuts, to obtain a complete protein, in the case of vegetarians.
How to make red rice
The basic red rice recipe is made as follows:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of red rice;
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil;
- 1/2 chopped onion;
- 2 garlic cloves;
- salt to taste;
- 2 ½ cups of water;
Preparation Mode:
Put the water to boil. Saute the garlic and onion in olive oil, and when the onion looks transparent, add the red rice. Saute a little more, add boiling water, salt and cook for 35 to 40 minutes over low heat.
See the video below for another recipe with rice that can help regulate cholesterol levels:
Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with exclusive news
that can transform your routine!
