Our diet is primarily made up of non-starchy vegetables, good fats, clean meat, minimal fruit, and occasional rice or quinoa.

When we do add a little rice to our dinner (and it’s typically dinner), we make black rice, also known as purple rice, or “Forbidden” rice.

Black rice is a great source of iron, vitamin E, and actually has more antioxidants than blueberries!  In fact, black rice has one of the highest  levels of anthocyanin of any food.  The anthocyanin is what gives it its deep purple or black color.

Not only does black rice have the highest amount of antioxidants, but it also has the highest amount of protein, and fiber of all rice varieties.

It has about the same amount of fiber as brown rice, and has a great taste and texture.

The Chinese have claimed that black rice is good for the kidneys, stomach, and liver.

Why is it also known as “Forbidden Rice?”  Because, historically, it was only available to the Asian nobility, and not we common folk.

So, what are the potential health benefits of black rice?

1. Antioxidants – As stated above, black rice contains high amounts of anthocyanin, an antioxidant that has been associated with preventing cardiovascular disease and cancer.  It may also improve brain function and reduce inflammation. Nearly all common diseases have a strong inflammatory component.

2. Heart Protection – Black rice may reduce atherosclerotic plaque formation in arteries, which could play a role in preventing heart attacks or stroke.

Anthocyanins are associated with reducing “so-called” bad cholesterols, or LDLs.

3. Promotes Detox and Body Purification – Again, due to the high antioxidant content, black rice may play a role in detoxification by enhancing liver and kidney function.

4. Fiber for Digestion – Black rice is an excellent source of fiber.  The fiber in black rice helps to prevent constipation, bloating, and gas.  It also helps one to feel full after a relatively small serving, which supports weight loss.

5. Gluten-Free – Black rice is naturally gluten free, therefore can be safely eaten by the 1:7 people who are sensitive to gluten, even without full-blown Celiac Disease.

We cook our black rice in our Aroma rice cooker with a ration of 1:2. rice:water.  We typically also add several cloves of peeled garlic, and then a little butter or coconut oil after it’s done.  Sea salt and pepper to taste.

I hope you’ll give black rice a try real soon.  I wasn’t much of a rice-person before we discovered it, but I certainly like  black, or forbidden, rice. It makes me feel like I’m breaking the rules.