The benefits and harms of wild rice for the human body

Wild rice is not the most famous and popular product on our market. He was undeservedly ignored, although among all species he is the most useful. Black rice contains many valuable microelements, it is low in calories, so it is added into the diet. The cereal is suitable for people of all ages and is recommended for recovery after severe operations.

Origin

The name “wild” or “black” rice has firmly taken root in everyday use, but in fact it is erroneous. The fact is that this plant has not only been cultivated for a long time, but also has nothing to do with rice. The long black grains are actually the seeds of the water tsitsaniya.

Tsitsaniya is an annual plant 1.5–3 m high from the Poaceae family. It is found in swampy areas, on the banks of small rivers and lakes, like ordinary rice. Due to the similarity of cultivation, harvesting and methods of preparing grain, tsitsaniya began to be called rice.

There are 4 subtypes of culture in total:

• Canadian;
• water, or Indian;
• black;
• wild.

Of these, 2 plant varieties are most widespread:

1. Black (Zizania latifolia, or caduciflora). The birthplace of the cereal is China. It is cultivated in the vicinity of Tibet, which is why it is sometimes called Tibetan. The stems, which are used in Chinese cooking, are valuable. The grains are shaped like ordinary polished seeds of their “white counterpart”, differing from them only in dark brown or black color.Previously, in China, this cereal was the food of the elite; the poor could not even dream of black rice dishes. Now such grains are not at all expensive recyclable materials.
2. Canadian (Zizania aquatica). Found in the St. Lawrence River region, on the border between Canada and the United States. It is because of the place where it grows that the variety got its name. The grains of this plant are brown or black in color, highly elongated and very dense. The taste is slightly sweet, when cooked they give a nutty smell and taste. Due to the high density of tsitsaniya grains, they are soaked in cooking and then boiled for at least 40 minutes.

It is important! Sometimes unscrupulous producers, wanting to make money, pass off cheap black rice as wild rice. Therefore, it is important to study the product before purchasing: the package must contain elongated, needle-like grains of Zizania aquatica. Their differences are obvious if you compare photos of Canadian and black rice.

Collection

The plant was first noticed by the Indians of North America and gave it the name Manomio, which translates as “good berry.”. This grain has been the basis of their diet for many centuries. The Indians sailed in boats to the tsitsaniya shoots and used sticks to knock out the grains into bags or directly to the bottom.

Harvesting wild rice is a labor-intensive task that requires some skill. The cereal grows exclusively in wetlands, which makes mechanical harvesting impossible. They approach the tsitsaniya on boats and collect grains by hand, as the Indians did hundreds of years ago. An experienced worker receives about 10 kg per hour.

The yield of the cereal is much lower than that of ordinary rice, but in terms of quality this product belongs to class A+. This explains the high cost of grains.

Compound

Nutritional value of boiled wild rice (per 100 g):

• calorie content - 101 kcal;
• fats - 0.4 g;
• carbohydrates - 61.7 g;
• proteins - 4 g.

100 g of product contains:

• fiber - 2 g;
• vitamin B6 - 0.391 mg;
• folic acid - 0.095 mg;
• magnesium - 177 mg;
• phosphorus - 433 mg;
• zinc - 6 mg;
• copper - 0.524 mg;
• manganese - 1.3 mg;
• cholesterol - 0 mg.

Wild rice has a high content of vitamins, minerals, amino acids (more than 18 types, including threonine, lysine, methionine). It contains B vitamins (B1, B2, B5, B6, B9), PP, E and H, potassium, iodine, selenium, iron and sodium.

The antioxidant activity of the culture is almost 30 times higher than that of ordinary grains. The folic acid content is so high that only 150–170 g of the product provides the daily dose of the substance.

It is important! The main difference between wild rice and white and brown rice is the lack of processing (it is not peeled or polished). This explains the unique composition of the cereal: all useful substances are concentrated in the shell of the grains, and processing makes them practically useless.

Benefits and harms

This is a useful product has earned the unequivocal approval of nutritionists. The calorie content of wild rice is one of the lowest among cereals, which is important for those who are on a diet.

The grains are practically harmless. People at risk are with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular with a tendency to intestinal obstruction. Like regular rice, wild rice can cause constipation.

Important! Nutritionists recommend combining grains with fresh vegetables and fruits.

The unique mineral and vitamin composition of the product has a positive effect on the body, supporting many processes and functions:

• strengthens muscles, gives vigor, strength, tones;
• prevents cardiovascular diseases, increases the elasticity of blood vessels;
• cleanses the blood of waste and toxins, helps the body get rid of excess salt and cholesterol;
• stimulates the functioning of the kidneys and bladder, thereby reducing the risk of edema;
• coarse fiber in grains stimulates the intestines, increases blood supply, improves digestion;
• reduces blood pressure in hypertension;
• has a beneficial effect on vision;
• improves the general condition of hair, prevents hair loss and fragility;
• has a positive effect on brain function;
• maintains a favorable condition of the patient with anemia;
• improves the functioning of the nervous system, prevents stress;
• accelerates metabolism, stimulates skin cell regeneration;
• slows down the aging process;
• increases the stability of the immune system, suppresses inflammatory processes;
• has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the genitourinary system, therefore it is used in the treatment of diseases in this area;
• calcium in grains strengthens bones, reduces the risk of fractures and cracks;
• The rich amino acid composition compensates for the lack of animal protein in the diet of vegetarians.

For women

Wild rice is allowed to be consumed during pregnancy, as folic acid improves the well-being of the expectant mother and has a beneficial effect on the development of the fetus. Cereal helps the body recover after childbirth, anemia or blood loss.

The plant is also used to maintain beauty. To do this, the grains are ground into flour, from which face masks are prepared. The product improves the overall appearance of the skin, mattifies it, removes redness and inflammation, and whitens it. Cereal prevents hair loss, the appearance of early gray hair, and reduces the fragility of nails.

Baby food

Black rice is recommended for children's nutrition.It is hypoallergenic, so it perfectly fills gaps in the diet of children suffering from intolerance to certain foods.

A child is given cereal from the moment he learns to chew and swallow long grains.

It is important! Due to the lack of processing, the grains are significantly tougher than white rice, so it is important to ensure that your child does not choke.

A small amount of cereal for breakfast is very satiating. The fiber in grains is slowly digested, which is why you feel full. saved for a long time.

Use in folk medicine

Wild rice is most widely used in Chinese folk medicine. It is recommended for use by older people. Cereal increases appetite and successfully copes with eating disorders, which often affect older people.

Black rice is a good remedy for preventing diabetes.

Cereal sprouts are used in cosmetology. They are used to make face masks and infusions that improve the condition of the skin.

Contraindications

The product has no contraindications. Studies have not revealed any pronounced side effects from its use.. However, portion size should be controlled. The grains are very filling, so one handful of the product is enough.

The plant lacks only two essential amino acids - asparagine and glutamine. Their deficiency is compensated by dishes made from beans, lentils or chickpeas.

The most noticeable disadvantage of the product is its price. Tsitsania is grown in smaller quantities than white rice. The cost is affected by high labor costs and low plant productivity. Therefore, black beans are much more expensive than white beans.

Conclusion

The benefits of wild rice for the body are undeniable. This is a valuable hypoallergenic product.It has a unique combination of beneficial substances and vitamins for cereals, so it is ideal for those who play sports, follow a diet or undergo rehabilitation after an illness.

The cereal is suitable for feeding both adults of all ages and children. Black grains are added to various dishes. It is only important to follow the norm of use and carefully study the product when purchasing.