Benefits of Black Rice

Foods rich in antioxidants, like blueberries and acai, pack a powerful healthy punch. But one food choice might be better and is certainly less expensive.

Have you ever heard of black rice? My guess is you soon will because this inexpensive grain has plenty of healthy antioxidants in it.

You've probably eaten white and brown rice at one time or another. Of the two, brown rice is much healthier for you. Both come from the same grain of rice. When the outer hull is removed, you get brown rice. If more processing is done, then you get white rice.

But black rice is what they first start off with, before any processing is done. And that rice contains many more antioxidants than most of us thought. Researchers at Louisiana State Agricultural Center found that a spoonful of black rice bran contains more antioxidants than a similar spoonful of blueberries. And as an added benefit, the spoonful of rice also has less sugar and more vitamin E and fiber.

Although black rice takes a little longer to prepare than white or brown rice, the extra time is worth the health benefits you get. And my guess is that you'll start seeing it more and more in your local grocery store.