In the supermarket and organic shops you can find different types of rice. One of the newest to try is purple rice, also known as violet rice. Traditional ingredient of oriental cuisine, this exotic-looking variety is also grown in Italy. Thanks to its particularly aromatic taste, it is ideal for preparing risottos, soups, salads and even desserts. From a nutritional point of view it is a very valuable cereal because it is wholemeal, therefore much richer than refined grains in vitamins, minerals and other precious substances. It also provides a large amount of polyphenols, called anthocyanins, responsible for the purple color that act on health and on the figure in various ways. With the help of Valentina Galiazzo, a nutrition biologist specialized in clinical biochemistry, let's see what benefits purple rice has and why it is convenient to use it in the kitchen.
What it contains
«Purple rice is rich in fiber that gives you satiety. They limit the absorption of sugars and the secretion of insulin, which predisposes to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, overweight and many other disorders ", explains nutritionist Valentina Galiazzo. It also ensures good amounts of tryptophan. "This amino acid in the body promotes the synthesis of serotonin, a neurotransmitter important for the regulation of hunger".
What is different from other varieties
Compared to white and semi-wholemeal ones, purple rice grains ensure a higher content of antioxidants, including flavonoids called anthocyanins. «It is a category of polyphenols that have a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action on organs and tissues. They counteract the action of free radicals that damage cells and promote aging. They then strengthen the body's defenses and promote the disposal of waste substances and excess fluids accumulated with food. And finally they act on the circulation: they improve the fluidity of the blood and lower the risk of encountering high cholesterol, triglycerides and hypertension .
How to combine it at the table
Purple rice is rich in fat-soluble vitamins. In particular, it has a good content of vitamin A, an ally of the skin and vitamin K, precious for joint health. "To facilitate its assimilation, it is essential to associate it with a source of lipids such as extra virgin olive oil, hazelnuts, cheeses or salmon and all varieties of blue fish. To increase its anti-aging power, however, the ideal is to combine it in recipes with vegetables such as red cabbage and radicchio, which are also rich in powerful antioxidants ".
Here are the other benefits of purple rice
Counteracts cellulite
Purple rice is rich in antioxidants that strengthen blood vessel walls and promote microcirculation.
Quench your hunger
Thanks to the richness of fiber, it helps to modulate blood sugar, the level of sugar in the blood and induces satiety.
Promotes relaxation
Purple rice is a source of tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is involved in the synthesis of serotonin, a precursor of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
Combats fatigue
Thanks to the richness of complex carbohydrates and B vitamins, it guarantees long-lasting energy.
Promotes intestinal health
Purple rice is a source of soluble fiber that favors the multiplication of "good" microorganisms in the intestinal flora, which positively affect the health of the whole organism.
