Black rice is a variety of prized brown rice, because it is particularly tasty and rich in fiber and mineral salts. It is thought to originate in China where, in ancient times, it was cultivated and reserved exclusively for the emperor.
On the market it is present in numerous variations. In addition to thai black rice (cultivated in northern Thailand), there are also varieties grown in Italy: the Venus rice and Nerone rice. The first is grown in the Po Valley (Piedmont and Lombardy) and in the Tirso valley, in Sardinia. It has a delicate, nutty flavor and a scent that recalls the smell of freshly baked bread. The second has similar characteristics to Venere rice, but its grains are larger.
Index
The virtues of black rice
For athletes, black rice represents a definitely superior alternative - from a nutritional point of view - to the classic white rice. Being rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, it can be considered a true "natural supplement". Below we list some of its many beneficial properties:
- black rice has a high protein content and a good amino acid profile, including essential amino acids such as lysine, valine and tryptophan.
- Compared to refined rice it has a higher fiber content, useful in regularizing intestinal transit and rebalancing the bacterial flora.
- Thanks to the wealth of complex B vitamins and mineral salts such as magnesium, potassium, zinc, manganese e iron it is a valid aid against tiredness and psychophysical stress.
- - Anthocyanins, vegetable pigments of the flavonoid family, give the rice its typical black color. They perform an action antioxidant ed inflammatory, helping to protect the body from free radicals and slowing down cellular aging.
- Black rice also contains another flavonoid, la cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G). Its beneficial action reduces it cup sugar in the blood, affects adipocytes and increases the level of adiponectin, a hormone that has unique functions, one of which is the reduction of inflammatory processes in the body.
Many benefits, without sacrificing flavor
Due to its unique characteristics, black rice should not be missing from the diet of those who practice sports.
The contribution of slow release carbohydrates, together with minerals and vitamins - provides the energy substrate to be able to train efficiently. From a culinary point of view, black rice is also highly appreciated, especially if combined with shellfish, fish and vegetables.