7 Proven Benefits of Black Rice (kavuni Rice)

Black rice which is also known as forbidden rice or Kavuni rice is packed with anti-oxidants and has a number of health benefits. Why is it called forbidden rice though?

Back then in Ancient China, black rice was reserved only for the noble. Since black rice was used as an ingredient in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years and the crop was rarer compared to other rice varieties, it was forbidden for common man. Only the royals could eat the valuable black rice back then. However, it is now assessable for everyone to cherish its benefits. Though the Black rice price is on the higher side, the health benefits it provides to the body makes it very much worthy.

Black rice is always sold as a whole grain without refining it, with its outermost layer bran intact. Though the color of raw rice is black, when it is cooked or soaked it changes into a beautiful purple.

Black rice which belongs to the Oryza sativa L.  species, is a great source for several nutrients like protein, fiber and iron. Here are some of the major health benefits of black rice

Acts as a Natural Detoxifier

Now a days we have so many short-term diet plans to detox our body every once in a while. Whilst detoxing our body every now and then is good, including a staple which is a natural detoxifier into our everyday diet is a great idea. Black rice consists of phytonutrients which help cleanse the toxins in our body. It especially helps liver which is one of the most important detoxifiers of our body, function at its full capacity.

Aids in losing Weight and fighting Obesity

As kavuni rice consists of high fiber and protein, including it in a meal not only provides essential nutrients but also keeps you full for a long time. Thus, overeating and snacking will be cut down which is one of the major reasons for obesity. Substituting white rice with black rice is a great idea for any weight loss diet. Also, black rice could be an amazing source for protein intake, for vegetarians.

Black Rice works great as Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation is the most common underlying reason for many diseases, pains and other issues in our body. Black rice consists of the plant compound called anthocyanin, which is responsible for the purple colour of the rice. This compound is also present in blueberries and blackberries. Anthocyanin has the ability to reduce inflammation in the body.

Has Anti-cancer Compounds

In recent times, there is an enormous rise in the number of cancer cases. This could be due to our poor lifestyle choices or the harmful substances like microplastics mixed up in our environment, in our food and everything around us. As prevention is better than cure, we should be mindful of what we are eating. Anthocyanin present in the black rice is also known to have anti-cancer properties. Consuming such high nutritional foods possibly keeps us safe from dreadful diseases.

Definitely not! Infact rice is a super choice for the kidney’s diet. Firstly, it helps in providing energy and secondly due to low in minerals, therefore better for people who have kidney disease or dialysis. Above all, due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that black rice has it protects liver and kidney from injuries.

It is Gluten-free naturally

In this age of gluten-free products in the market, Black rice is an interesting choice as it is naturally gluten free. Many grains go through some kind of processing to become gluten-free but black rice is originally free from gluten. For people with gluten sensitivity, black rice is the best option to make it a part of your complete meal. Let’s move on to some more health benefits of black rice.

Maintains Heart health

Previously heart- attacks only occurred in people above 50-years of age. Unfortunately, youngsters today are at no less risk of heart attacks, due to poor lifestyle. Consuming nutritious food that helps maintain heart health starting from a young age is very much necessary. Research says, black rice which consists of anti-oxidants and flavonoids protects body from heart diseases. Additionally, Anthocyanins present in the rice helps maintain cholesterol levels which is in turn important for a healthy heart.

Improves Eye Health

Black rice or kavuni rice consists of high amounts of carotenoids like zeaxanthin and lutein which play a significant role in maintaining eye health. The antioxidants help protect the retina by filtering out harmful blue light waves.

Fights Diabetes

Anthocyanin present in the black rice also helps in reducing blood sugar levels in those who are suffering from type 2 diabetes. The fiber content in black rice helps glucose from the grains to be absorbed by the body for a longer duration of time, hence keeping the sugar levels consistent. So, these were some health benefits of black rice. It has a nutty flavor, an amazing purple color and a chewy texture. It might seem very different than normal rice initially, but you will grow to like it eventually.  Cooking Kavuni Rice requires more water and more time than white rice. The sticky nature of the rice makes great risottos and rice puddings. You can check the black rice price on our website

Is black rice bad for kidney?

Definitely not! Infact rice is a super choice for the kidney’s diet. Firstly, it helps in providing energy and secondly due to low in minerals, therefore better for people who have kidney disease or dialysis. Above all, due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that black rice has it protects liver and kidney from injuries.

What are the benefits of kavuni rice?

Like mentioned above black rice fights diabetes, maintains heart health, has anti-cancer compounds, works great as Anti-inflammatory and also helps in weight loss and fight obesity.

Why is black rice a Superfood ?

Black rice is high in iron and vitamin E. It is very rich in antioxidants, equal if not more than blueberries. Further more the benefits that one can reap including managing heart health, better eye health and fight obesity.

Why is black rice forbidden ?

This question alone will signify how amazing black rice is. Black rice is NOT forbidden instead it was known as Forbidden Rice as in Ancient China, black rice was only reserved and meant for aristocracy!

Author’s Bio:

Sravani Isvi is a former Human Resource Associate, a Blogger and a novice fiction writer, from Hyderabad. She shares everything from simple lifestyle choices to deeper life learnings on her blog, WholisticYou . Story telling and cooking are a few of her best skills