The amazing health benefits of purple rice have made it a very popular grain to include in meals and use as a health supplement. Purple rice (also known as black rice) was revered by the ancient Chinese for its healing power and nutritional qualities. In fact, because purple rice was kept for the Emperor and his family, it was referred to as ‘forbidden rice’.
When compared to other types of ‘traditional’ rice like white and brown rice, purple rice has much more health-boosting properties. This type of rice is a rich source of dietary fiber and contains many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. That is why many people include purple rice in their diet to help improve their digestive health, maintain a healthy heart, lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar levels, and boost cognitive function.
In this article, you will find out about the many health benefits of purple rice and why it is much better for you than its white or brown counterparts. You will also learn how to cook purple rice and incorporate more of it into your meals.
Nutritional Value of Purple Rice
The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reported that purple rice contains chemical compounds called phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. These are antioxidant compounds that have tremendous health benefits and can reduce the risk of developing various chronic diseases.1
One serving of purple rice (1/4 cup or 50g) contains approximately 160 calories. Each serving of this type of rice contains 5g of protein and 2g of fiber and 1g of iron.2
Which is best – purple rice or brown rice?
When it comes to choosing the type of rice to eat, brown rice is, of course, much healthier than white rice, which contains very little nutritional value. However, when comparing brown rice and purple rice, which is best?
Both brown rice and purple rice contain vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. However, purple rice has the edge over brown rice because it contains more protein and fiber than brown rice.
Purple rice is also better for you than brown rice because of the dark pigments that give the rice its purple or black color. Pigmented rice contains about 6 times more antioxidants than brown or white rice.1
So, if you are looking for rice with the most amount of health benefits, purple rice is the best type to use.
The Health Benefits of Purple Rice
One reason why purple rice is so good for your health is that it contains anthocyanin pigments. These are dark pigments which give black and purple rice its unique color and are found in many fruits and berries. According to the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, anthocyanin pigments are powerful antioxidants that have medicinal benefits and can help rid the body of free radicals.3
