Black is the New Brown…Rice that is! Nutrition-based Medicine for Inflammation – Your Health Detective

In previous investigative reports I’ve outlined the tremendous health benefits of black rice, also called Emperor’s Rice or Forbidden Rice.

This Week’s Focus on Health…

Historical references tout the health benefits of this ancient grain, once reserved exclusively for the Emperors of China;
Black rice is a medium-sized heirloom genre treasured for its delicious roasted nutty taste, soft texture and bountiful deep purple color once cooked;
This rice is little-known in Western cultures, yet it is the staple food for one-third of the world population.

Key Points…

Scientists report undeniable evidence that black rice may help soothe the inflammation involved in allergies, asthma, inflammation and many other diseases;
Black rice is rich in iron

Increased health and longevity

Legend tells us that this ancient grain was once eaten exclusively by the Emperors of China. This popular rice is fabled to enrich health and ensure longevity. This medium-size heirloom rice is treasured for its delicious roasted nutty taste, soft texture and beautiful brownish deep purple color.

Black rice is extremely high in a class of flavonoid antioxidants called anthocyanins. Forbidden Rice^®, also known as Black Rice or Emperor’s Rice is also rich in iron and, according to Chinese herbal medicine, considered to be a blood tonifier. A striking presence on any plate, this once forbidden indulgence is now wholesome everyday rice. It pairs beautifully with all cuisines – use it steamed plain, in a pilaf, stir-fry, salad and even as a delicious pudding when paired with a tropical fruit.

Scientific Perspective…

Scientists are reporting evidence that black rice – a little-known variety of the grain that is the staple food for one-third of the world population – may effectively help soothe the inflammation involved in allergies, asthma, and other diseases like fibromyalgia and arthritis.

A study reported in ACS’ bi-weekly Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry validates the findings of Mendel Friedman and colleagues that their previous research showed several potential health benefits of eating black rice bran.

Bran is the outer husk of the grain, which is removed during the processing of brown rice to produce the familiar white rice. Those experiments, which were done in cell cultures, hinted that black rice bran suppressed the release of histamine, which causes inflammatory responses responsible for many disorders.

The Way I See It…

I love healthy rice and this black rice “fits the bill”. For those with blood sugar imbalances (diabetes, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance), and for those watching their waist line, eating this type of rice provides not only its anti-inflammatory benefits but also is higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates…not to mention its nutty delicious flavor.

Serving size; ¼ cup uncooked black rice7.50 grams protein;

1.5 grams of fat;

34 grams of carbohydrates;
2 grams of fiber.

One serving of Black Rice contains approximately 160 calories and…

Does not contain gluten
Substantial mineral content
Good source of Iron
Good source of important Amino Acids
Minor amounts of Vitamin B
Very high in fiber
From Dr. G’s Kitchen…

Nutty Black Rice with Scallions

¾ cup black rice

1 ½ cups of organic chicken stock

¾ teaspoon salt or Braggs Amino Acids to taste

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1 bunch scallions, finely chopped

½ Spanish onion, finely chopped

¼ cup very finely chopped pecans or walnuts (My favorite is pecans)

In a skillet place 2 TB coconut oil and lightly sauté black rice, chopped Spanish onions, pecans or walnuts, and half of the chopped scallions.

Transfer sautéed rice blend into a medium saucepan, add remaining chopped scallions with salt or Braggs to taste, bring to a boil, reduce to low heat and simmer for around 40 – 60 minutes until broth is absorbed and rice is soft but not mushy. Remove rice from heat and leave covered for around 10 minutes before serving.

Hint: Use leftover rice in stir-fry, it’s delicious and already cooked so add at the end simply to re-heat.

Your Health Detective:

Uncovering Clues to Add LIFE to Your Years…NOT Merely Years to Your Life, Naturally

Dr. Gloria Gilbère (aka Dr. G) DA Hom., PhD., DSC., EcoErgonomist,

Wholistic Rejuvenist, Medical Journalist, Best-selling Author and Health Detective.

Gloria Gilbère, D.A.Hom, Ph.D., D.S.C., EcoErgonomist, Wholistic Rejuvenist, Medical Journalist and Health Detective is renowned worldwide for her work in identifying and implementing natural solutions to chemically-induced and inflammatory disorders, multiple chemical sensitivities, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Gulf War Syndrome, and digestive disorders that defy conventional diagnosis and treatment. She consults worldwide via telephone (she pays for the call), at her Institute for Wholistic Rejuvenation in Sandpoint, Idaho, and at the fully integrative medical Clinic for Wholistic Rejuvenation in Gig Harbor, WA. Visit her website at www.gloriagilbere.com for details about consulting with her. She is an acclaimed talk-show host – Dr. Gloria, Health Detective, and author of 11 books, 6 courses and over 1,400 health articles. To schedule a consultation or for more information, call (208) 255-5252 (Mon. – Thurs. 8: to 2: Pacific Time).

She is creator of certificated courses to become a Wholistic Rejuvenist™ (CWR) and post-graduate education for health and spa professionals. Go to www.gloriagilbere.com and click on Wholistic Skin & Body Rejuvenation (WSBR™) for course outline. Available on-site at worldwide locations, and via distance-learning at your convenience globally.

blackrice.com/nutrition/

ScienceDaily, Oct. 21, 2010