Is red rice good for weight loss?

There are many varieties and varieties of rice. Red rice is one of the healthiest, tastiest and most aromatic. They love it in France, Italy, and India. However, it is undeservedly rare on Russian tables. A natural source of energy, health, and beauty is not much more expensive than other varieties of this cereal. It is useful for weight loss and can be combined with any food.

In this article we will tell you about the benefits and harms of red brown rice and share delicious recipes.

Red rice - what is it?

Red rice appeared on Russian shelves relatively recently. The red color of the cereal is given by the increased amount of anthocyanins (pigments) contained in the shell. This variety is not polished, so it retains beneficial minerals and fiber.

Color varies from pale pink to rich burgundy. The higher the anthocyanin content, the brighter the color of the grain.

Important! Sometimes sold under the guise of red is yeast rice, which changes its natural white color to pink during fermentation by microorganisms.

Peculiarities

During cooking, red rice not only does not lose color, but on the contrary, its shade becomes brighter. Even after prolonged cooking, the grain retains its shape and does not stick together. Varieties of this cereal several – round, medium and long grain.

When peeled, it loses only the husk, the germ and inner shell are preserved. It is in them contained protein, fiber and most vitamins and minerals.

In the finished dish, red rice has a light nutty taste and the aroma of fresh bread.

Red rice varieties

In our country on the territory of the Krasnodar Territory growing Ruby is one of the highest quality varieties of red rice. It has a delicate nutty flavor and dark red color.

Another Ruby - Californian - is grown in the USA. It differs little from the domestic variety, except that the grain is a little shorter.

The French version is called Camargue. It is red-brown in color, with the aroma of roasted almonds.

In Thailand, Cargo is grown in a rich burgundy color. This variety is one of the most expensive and has a light jasmine scent. During cooking, the grains open up, and the dish turns out especially impressive - like small roses with a soft white center.

Red rice with the highest stickiness is cultivated in Japan. It is intended for rolls and sushi, as it boils strongly, holds its shape and gives fish dishes a light piquant flavor. It is called simply - Japan.

The most expensive variety is Devzira. It is grown in Uzbekistan. From germination to the shelf, grain travels a long way - about 2 years. It is peeled, dried, and soaked in a special way. Thanks to the unique technology, Devzira retains its shape when cooked, while increasing in volume up to 7 times. It cooks quickly and changes color from light brown to amber during the process.

Chemical composition

Red rice is one of the healthiest due to its composition.

100 g of product contains vitamins:

• A – 0.13 mg;
• B1 – 0.43 mg;
• B2 – 0.09 mg;
• B4 – 1.1 mg;
• B5 – 1.58 mg;
• B6 – 0.6 mg;
• B9 – 0.53 mg;
• E – 0.403 mg;
• RR – 2.3 mg.

Microelements (content per 100 g):

• phosphorus – 252 mg;
• potassium – 230 mg;
• magnesium – 150 mg;
• calcium – 36 mg;
• sodium – 12 mg;
• manganese – 4.1 mg;
• zinc – 1.7 mg;
• as well as selenium, fluorine, iodine, chromium.

Antioxidants, amino acids, and a low glycemic index (about 50) allow the use of red rice in therapeutic and dietary nutrition. It is indicated for diabetes, for weight loss, and also for vegetarians as a complete replacement for animal proteins.

Calorie content and BZHU

Composition per 100 g:

• proteins – 7.6 g;
• fats – 2.4 g;
• carbohydrates – 69 g;
• fiber – 9.1 g.

Calorie content dry rice is much higher than cooked rice. This is because it absorbs a lot of water during cooking. Dry – 350-390 kcal per 100 g, cooked – 100-120 kcal.

How suitable for weight loss

Due to its composition and low glycemic index, nutritionists recommend red rice for weight loss. This cereal belongs to complex carbohydrates, so satiety from it comes quickly and lasts a long time, which allows it to be used as part of numerous diets and as a monoproduct for emergencies.

Thanks to the fiber contained in large quantities in the shell, red rice does not burden the digestive system, but reduces appetite. Dietary fiber ensures rapid movement of food in the intestines, and high energy value ensures good performance and endurance.

Important! Mono-diets have a bad effect on health and well-being, so you can resort to them only under the supervision of a doctor and in the absence of contraindications.

Beneficial properties for the human body

Thanks to its high-quality composition, the cereal:

• improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and cleanses the body;
• increases hemoglobin levels and stimulates the production of red blood cells;
• increases joint mobility;
• normalizes metabolism;
• strengthens the immune system, supports performance;
• preserves youthful skin, hair, nails;
• prevents the development of heart attacks and strokes;
• supports the functioning of the reproductive system.

When consumed regularly, red rice prevents the deposition of salts in joints, stabilizes blood pressure, and promotes the production of insulin. Thanks to antioxidants, cereal reduces the concentration of free radicals, which helps reduce the risk of cancer.

What is red rice used for?

This cereal is used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology and traditional medicine recipes.

For cosmetic purposes they do:

• whitening and anti-aging masks;
• tonic for cleansing facial skin;
• Rice ice against puffiness and bags under the eyes.

In folk medicine, a decoction, cooked and raw grain, and its sprouts are used. The recipes are aimed at maintaining immunity, cleansing the body, treating joints and infections.

The cereal is indicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since the substances it contains benefit both mother and baby. For example, vitamin E contributes to the mental development of the baby both before and after childbirth. Mom, without overloading her stomach, is full of strength and energy. In addition, red rice helps eliminate heartburn, which is a common problem in late pregnancy.

Important! By grinding grains, you can get the most valuable flour, which is added to regular flour when baking. It will give dishes a unique taste, aroma and increase the benefits of finished products.

Red Rice Recipes

Porridges, pilafs, first courses, side dishes, sushi, puddings, casseroles and desserts are prepared from this grain.

Red rice goes well with vegetables, fish, seafood, chicken and pork. It is perfectly complemented by seasonings and herbs.The own taste and aroma of red rice is the basis for the flight of culinary imagination.

Several delicious dishes with red rice will diversify the menu and add sophistication to the traditional table.

Red rice with mushrooms and vegetables

Cooking time – 60 minutes, calorie content – ​​150 kcal per 100 g, quantity – 3 servings.

Ingredients:

• red rice - 1 tbsp.;
• porcini mushrooms – 400 g;
• carrots – 1 pc.;
• bell pepper – 2 pcs.;
• onions – 2 medium onions;
• garlic – 3 cloves;
• salt, ground black pepper, herbs - to taste.

Preparation:

1. Rinse the rice and cook until done according to the instructions on the package, adding salt.
2. Boil mushrooms in salted water.
3. Cut the carrots, bell peppers, and onions into cubes and fry for 5-7 minutes with olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the unpeeled garlic cloves to the vegetables and fry for another 3 minutes.
5. Add boiled mushrooms to the vegetables and fry for another 10 minutes. Add spices.
6. Place the finished rice in a frying pan with the mushrooms and vegetables, cover with a lid, and simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Serve sprinkled with herbs.

Steamed red rice urchins with tzatziki sauce

Cooking time – 65 minutes, calorie content – ​​280 kcal per 100 g, quantity – 4 servings.

Ingredients:

• red rice – 150 g;
• low-fat minced meat – 500 g;
• water – 1/3 cup;
• salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder - to taste.

For the sauce:

• cucumber – 1 pc.;
• sour cream – 100 g;
• garlic – 3 cloves;
• salt, pepper - to taste;
• olive oil – 1 tbsp. l.

Preparation:

1. Boil the rice until half cooked and rinse with cold water.
2. Mix minced meat with 1/3 of rice, add spices.
3. Salt the remaining rice.
4. Roll the minced meat into balls 4-5 cm in diameter and roll them in rice.
5. Steam for 20 minutes in a saucepan, double boiler or slow cooker.
6. For the sauce: chop the cucumber on a coarse grater, squeeze and mix with sour cream. Add chopped garlic, olive oil, spices.

Serve hedgehogs with sauce, garnished with herbs.

Cottage cheese casserole with red rice and fruits

Cooking time – 90 minutes, calorie content – ​​176 kcal per 100 g, quantity – 8 servings.

Ingredients:

• cottage cheese – 400 g;
• red rice – 150 g;
• eggs – 4 pcs.;
• red apples – 2 pcs.;
• seedless raisins – 50 g;
• sugar – 100 g;
• salt – 1/3 tsp;
• vanillin - on the tip of a knife;
• butter for greasing the mold.

Preparation:

1. Boil the washed rice until half cooked with salt added.
2. Blanch the raisins for 5 minutes.
3. Mix the yolks with cottage cheese, half the sugar and vanilla. Add raisins.
4. Beat the whites into a strong foam with the remaining sugar.
5. Place half of the apples, cut into slices and peeled from the core, on the bottom of the greased form.
6. Cool the rice, mix with the curd-yolk mixture, and place on the apples.
7. Arrange remaining apple slices evenly.
8. Gently spread the whipped whites on top with a spoon.
9. Bake for 30 minutes in an oven preheated to 180°C

How to cook properly

The usual ratio of rice to water is 1:2. If the packaging indicates different proportions, you should adhere to them, since different varieties increase in volume differently and require different amounts of water.

The cereal is thoroughly washed with cold water, and then cooked over low heat under a lid for 20-40 minutes, depending on the variety. After turning it off for 3-4 minutes, the rice “arrives”.

Important! Rice is best cooked in a thick-walled frying pan or cauldron. The glass lid allows you to control the process without opening it.

What can you replace red rice with?

Close relatives in composition are brown and wild rice.Both cereals are considered one of the most expensive on the planet due to their numerous beneficial properties and high quality. Both brown and wild rice are not polished, that is, they retain the same beneficial substances in the shell and germ as red rice. Their chemical composition is slightly different, but in general these products are interchangeable.

Possible harm and contraindications

Red rice is good for everyone. The exception is people with individual intolerance. However, for any diseases and conditions, it is advisable to consult a specialist about changing your diet.

Product reviews

Here are a few reviews about red rice.

Ekaterina, 28 years old, Moscow: “I’ve been wanting to try red rice for a long time, but I was too sorry for the money. I don't regret it anymore. The taste is extraordinary. The color is, of course, unusual, but very useful.”

Tatyana Viktorovna, 56 years old, Saratov: “Due to my age, I already have some diseases and am overweight. The endocrinologist advised me to add boiled red rice to my diet. It was unusual at first. Now I can’t even imagine pilaf with white rice. And digestion improved. I won’t say, of course, that I’ve lost a lot of weight, but I also have a sweet tooth.”

Alexander, 34 years old, Tyumen: “In our latitudes there are not enough vitamins, especially in winter. As an athlete, nutritious nutrition with a high content of protein, vitamins and minerals is very important to me. Red rice gives me everything I need and more energy.”

Conclusion

Red rice is eaten as an independent dish and combined with other foods. The main advantages of the product are its multifaceted benefits and almost complete absence of contraindications. It is suitable for maintaining health, beauty, performance and optimal weight.The taste of roasted nuts or jasmine and the aroma of freshly baked bread will not leave even gourmets indifferent.