The earliest Chinese medical text, the “Huangdi Neijing” or “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine,” documented only 13 herbal formulas, and one of them is a liquid derived from Five Grains (cereals). In ancient times, rice porridge was used medicinally for treating illnesses. Different types of rice were believed to possess distinct therapeutic effects, contributing to overall body nourishment and good health. In this article, we will outline the key benefits of various types of rice.
Four common types of rice include white, brown, black, and purple. The ancient belief of “five grains for nourishment” indicates that grains can nourish the body, which aligns with modern nutritional principles.
Myth: Diabetic Patients Should Avoid Eating Rice
White rice is believed to benefit the spleen and stomach, providing the body with energy and enhancing vitality. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the spleen not only plays a role in the immune system but also governs the body’s digestive system. The vital energy (qi) that circulates within the body and the blood that carries various nutrients both rely on the nutritional substances acquired through the spleen and stomach. It is essential to note that the TCM concept of zangfu (organs) does not necessarily correspond to the anatomical organs in modern Western medicine.Many people believe that individuals with diabetes should avoid eating rice as it may lead to elevated blood sugar levels. However, this is not necessarily the case. In fact, diabetes patients often have weaker or impaired spleen and stomach functions. Therefore, it is even more crucial to properly nourish the spleen and stomach to regain strength and energy for physical activity. Increased physical activity can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Avoiding rice and not engaging in physical activity can lead to even greater blood sugar imbalances. Hence, diabetes patients should continue consuming rice while incorporating regular exercise into their lifestyle.
White Rice as a Medicinal Ingredient
White rice is considered a medicinal ingredient in TCM. It is included in various herbal formulas, including the White Tiger Decoction, Ophiopogon Japonicus Decoction, and the Lung-nourishing Ejiao Formula, where it plays a role in safeguarding the gastrointestinal system and lungs.Story continues below advertisement
According to TCM, meridians are the channels through which energy flows in the human body. The body consists of 12 major meridians, each corresponding to a specific organ. Each meridian has a particular time of day when it is most active.
Individuals who tend to wake up between 3 and 5 a.m. may have an issue related to the lungs, as this is the active time for the lung meridian. Dr. Hu Naiwen, a renowned Chinese medicine practitioner in Taiwan, shared that he has encountered patients like this before who often wake up during this time frame. He would adjust their herbal formula by adding a bit of white glutinous rice. When they returned for a follow-up visit, these patients reported improved sleep quality, often lasting for an entire week.
Black Rice: Nourishing the Kidneys and Darkening Hair
Black rice, also known as black glutinous or forbidden rice, is a whole-grain rice. It has a coarse, non-sticky texture when cooked and is often referred to as the “medicinal king of rice” due to its numerous health benefits. Black rice is believed to nourish the kidneys, promote dark and healthy hair, replenish blood, and warm the spleen and stomach. It is especially suitable for individuals with weaker digestive systems, knee discomfort, older people, children, and those with diabetes.
Black rice is often hailed as "the rice of the kings." Amonsiri Sommut/Shutterstock
The most valuable part of black rice is its outer black layer, which contains a high amount of anthocyanins comparable to those found in blueberries. Anthocyanins are known for their antioxidant properties and ability to protect the eyes, combat aging, and prevent cardiovascular issues.
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Animal experiments have demonstrated that supplementing diabetic rats with anthocyanins from black rice not only reduces blood glucose levels but also improves renal function and relieves renal glomerular sclerosis, thus preventing diabetic nephropathy.
Purple Rice: Nourishing Blood and Enhancing Beauty
Purple rice contains a significant amount of anthocyanins, which can promote beauty, skin health, and slow the aging process. Andy Meyers/Shutterstock
Purple rice, or purple glutinous rice, is characterized by its high stickiness, which can be hard to digest when eaten on its own and may lead to bloating when consumed excessively.
However, purple rice is also rich in anthocyanins. Research has shown that purple rice typically contains higher levels of anthocyanins than non-glutinous black rice. In addition to its anthocyanin content, purple rice is believed to have properties that can benefit the eyes and improve blood circulation. It is often referred to as “blood-nourishing rice” and is commonly consumed for its potential benefits in promoting beauty, skin health, and delaying the aging process.
Brown Rice Versus White Rice: Which Is More Nutritious?
What are the differences between brown, white, and germinated brown rice? Brown rice is obtained by removing the outer husk of rice grains, leaving the bran and germ. Germinated brown rice is brown rice with the bran layer removed, leaving only the germ. White rice, on the other hand, is rice from which the germ on top has been removed.Story continues below advertisement
Brown rice is rich in dietary fiber and offers numerous potential health benefits. For instance, its gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content is 10 times that of milled rice. GABA possesses stress-reducing and sleep-promoting properties. Additionally, research has shown that consuming pre-germinated brown rice can significantly reduce body weight and improve lipid profiles and fasting blood sugar levels.
Generally, brown rice has higher dietary fiber content and is much more nutritionally rich than white rice. However, when it comes to digestion and absorption, white rice is significantly easier to digest due to its finer texture. It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to which rice is the most nutritious; the choice should be based on individual health considerations and personal preferences.
3 Ways to Prepare Brown Rice for Easier Digestion
Brown rice has a firmer texture, potentially causing stomach discomfort for individuals with digestive issues like bloating or gastric ulcers.What are some ways to improve the digestibility of brown rice? For starters, you can freeze it. Freezing causes the rice grains to crack, making them cook more easily. This also improves the texture, making it easier to chew. Here are some alternative ways to enhance the texture of brown rice:
1. White Rice + Brown Rice
Combine white and brown rice in a 4:1 ratio and cook them together. Begin by soaking the brown rice for 40 minutes, then cook it alongside the white rice. This cooking method produces rice with a chewy yet tender texture, offering a delightful aroma and excellent mouthfeel.2. White Rice + Brown Rice + Sweet Potato
Combine white rice, brown rice, and a small amount of sweet potato and cook them together. You can cut the sweet potato into chunks, cubes, or shreds. Adding sweet potato to the rice provides a softer texture and a hint of sweetness. This addition also provides a sense of fullness and promotes digestion. Cooking the rice in a pressure cooker or clay pot can enhance flavor.3. Brown Rice Porridge With Milkfish
If you are worried that brown rice might be difficult to chew, especially for older individuals and children, you can prepare it as brown rice porridge. Here are the steps for preparing Brown Rice Porridge With Milkfish:- Precook the brown rice and set it aside.
- Wash and cut the milkfish belly into pieces.
- Bring water to a boil, add the fish belly, and let it simmer. Then, add the precooked brown rice.
- Once fully cooked, add some chopped celery and cilantro and season with salt and pepper.
Brown rice porridge with milkfish is an excellent dish for the entire family to enjoy. The Epoch Times
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How to Choose Fresh Rice
When purchasing rice, it is essential to select grains that are whole and have minimal breakage or white powder. If the rice is broken and has a powdery texture, it suggests poor rice quality, possibly due to oxidation or spoilage. Avoid buying this type of rice.White rice may naturally contain insect eggs, which may hatch into rice weevils if the rice is stored for an extended period. To prevent this, place a few dried garlic cloves in a cloth bag and put them in the rice container. This can serve as a natural insect repellent. However, it is important to note that damp garlic cloves may result in rice mold instead.
Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here.
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