The starchy liquid that remains after boiling or soaking rice is referred to as rice water. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins, among other nutrients. Because rice water has a low fibre level, it can help with digestion, increase nutrient intake, and keep us hydrated. Rice water is also highly digestible, which makes it a good option for people with sensitive stomachs. It can be drunk straight or as a foundation for smoothies, soups, and porridge.
Here are some benefits of rice water and why to include it in our diet:
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1. Digestive Health:
Drinking rice water can help maintain the health of your digestive system. It soothes the digestive system and helps to ease symptoms like bloating, constipation, and indigestion because of its low fibre content and simple digestion, as also mentioned in the article by the National Institute of Health. After boiling or soaking the rice, filter the liquid to make rice water, which can then be consumed on its own or added to soups, smoothies, or porridges. For more flavour, you can also add a pinch of salt, honey, or prefered spices.
2. Rehydration:
One of the main health benefits of eating rice water is rehydration. Restoring lost fluids and electrolytes makes it an invaluable beverage in hot weather, post-exercise, and for anyone suffering from dehydration, as mentioned in the study by the National Institute of Health. To make rice water, just filter the leftover liquid after cooking or soaking the rice, then drink it either unsweetened or with a little sugar or honey added. For extra hydration, it can also be used as the foundation for soups or smoothies.
3. Skin Care:
Because of its possible health benefits, rice water has been used in skincare products. It has antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help to maintain the health, moisture, and evenness of the skin as mentioned in the study by the National Institute of Health. You can use rice water as a basis for face masks or apply it directly to your skin as a toner for skincare purposes. Because of its delicate nature, it may be used on all skin types and provides an inexpensive, natural supplement to your skincare regimen.
4. Hair Care:
Although rice water is usually applied externally to hair, drinking it can also help hair health in a more subtle way. The vitamins and minerals in rice water support general health, which includes strong and healthy hair as also mentioned in the article by the National Institute of Health. After soaking or boiling the rice, drain the liquid to make rice water, which can be used as a cool drink. However, because of its nourishing qualities, its advantages for hair are mostly observed when used as an exterior hair rinse or treatment.
5. Immune Support:
Drinking rice water can help to maintain the health of your immune system. It is packed with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins B and C that support and fortify the immune system, as known from the study mentioned in the article by the National Institute of Health. After boiling or soaking the rice, simply filter the liquid to make rice water. You may then drink it pure or flavoured with a little honey, cinnamon, or lemon juice. To increase nutrient intake, it can also be used as the foundation for soups, smoothies, or porridge.
6. Weight Management:
Indeed, incorporating rice water into your diet can help you control your weight. It has few calories and complex carbs, which give you long-lasting energy without raising your blood sugar, as known from a study mentioned in the article by the National Institute of Health. You can drink rice water straight or sweetened with a little honey or lemon juice. In order to boost satiety and add nutrients, it can also be used as the foundation for soups or smoothies, which will help with weight management.