Red rice, also called red yeast rice, fermented red rice, or red
koji rice, is native to China and its main benefit is to help lower cholesterol. The
reddish color is due to its high content of anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant
that is also present in red or purple fruits and vegetables.
In addition, this is a whole grain with high nutritional value,
being rich in nutrients such as iron and fiber. Fermented red rice is also
easy to prepare and can be cooked in the same way as white rice.
The benefits of consuming red rice
are
1. Lower
cholesterol
Koji red rice goes through a natural
fermentation process that produces a substance called monacolin K, which is
responsible for conferring the effect that reduces bad cholesterol and
increases good cholesterol. Apart from this, the fibers present in this whole
grain help to reduce the absorption of fat in the intestine and to better
control cholesterol levels.
In addition to this, it is rich in
antiocyanins
2. Improve the
health of the intestine
Because it is rich in fibers, red
rice helps to increase the size of the stool and to mobilize the
gastrointestinal tract facilitating its exit, being excellent for those people
who suffer from constipation.
3. Prevent anemia
Red rice is rich in iron, an
essential mineral for the adequate transport of oxygen in the blood and to
prevent and combat anemias. In addition, it has vitamin B6, which acts in
the regulation of mood, sleep and appetite.
4. Prevent
cardiovascular disease and cancer
In addition to helping lower
cholesterol, fermented red rice helps prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer
thanks to its high content of antioxidants, substances that protect blood
vessels from the formation of fatty plaques in the arteries and, therefore,
protect the organism of problems such as heart attack and stroke.
Likewise, it favors an adequate
cellular renewal, stimulating the immune system to fight potentially cancerous
cells.
5. Promote weight
loss
Red rice helps you lose weight
because it is rich in fibers, which help reduce hunger and increase the feeling
of satiety for longer.
Likewise, the fibers help to avoid
spikes in blood sugar, reducing the accumulation of fat in the body.
6. Could help
prevent diabetes
Because it is rich in antiocyanins,
red rice could help prevent diabetes. This antioxidant could help regulate
blood sugar because, according to some studies, it interferes with an enzyme
that controls blood glucose.
In addition to presenting a medium
glycemic index, that is, it moderately raises blood sugar.
Nutritional information
The following table shows the nutritional composition in 100 g
of red yeast rice:
It is important to keep in mind that the benefits of red koji
rice are obtained, especially when its consumption is accompanied by a balanced
diet and regular physical activity.
How to prepare Red yeast rice
The basic recipe for red yeast rice is prepared as follows:
Ingredients
1 cup of red rice;
1 tablespoon of olive oil;
1/2 chopped onion;
2 cloves of garlic;
Salt to taste;
2 ½ cups of water.
1 tablespoon of olive oil;
1/2 chopped onion;
2 cloves of garlic;
Salt to taste;
2 ½ cups of water.
Preparation method
Put the water in a pot and
bring to the fire. While the water heats up and begins to boil, fry the
garlic and onion in the olive oil and, when the onion looks transparent, add
the red rice, fry a little more and add the boiling water and salt. Let
cook 35 to 40 minutes over low heat.
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