Forbidden Rice

I'm always looking for healthier alternatives to the usual foods we eat.  In this country the rice you usually find, especially in restaurants, is white and high glycemic.  In fact, with a glycemic index of 87, consuming white rice is worse for you than eating sugar right from the sugar bowl!  The glycemic index of table sugar is only 58. In fact, most people don't know that the average GI for whole wheat bread is 71!


The glycemic index of "Forbidden" or black rice is 55.

It was called "forbidden" because it used to be reserved for the Emporer of China.  But did you know that with all the nutrients it contains, it is rising to the top of the list of "good-for-you" or "superfoods"?

Black rice gets its colour from flavanoid pigments called anthocyanins".  Anthocyanins are very powerful antioxidants and are the same pigments that give the colour to blackberries, dark cherries and raspberries.  Just a spoonful of black rice contains more of anthocyanins than a spoonful of these berries, with much less sugar, way more fibre and lots of vitamin E.  Anthocyanins are being studied for their effects in reducing cancer diabetes, heart disease and alzheimer`s.

Because black rice has a high amount of fibre it won`t spike your blood sugar.  The potassium, magnesium and other minerals contained in it help to control blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.  If you suffer from fatigue, according to Dr. Oz, it`s one of the best things you can add to your daily diet.  You can watch the episode of Dr. Oz here.

Dr. Oz`s website also has a great recipe for "Forbidden Rice Pudding".  Get the recipe here.