Rice is a staple food in many countries. It is widely included in everyday diet because of its nutritional value. Rice is rich in iron, Vitamin B, magnesium, manganese, folate, copper, phosphorus, fiber, zinc, protein and carbohydrate. It is anti-allergic, anti-oxidant, detoxifying and good for heart. However, using by following one another tip, you can avail greater benefits from rice.
Usage of Rice Water (Starch)
While cooking rice, do not discard the left over water (starch). The starch has many health and cosmetic related advantages and is rich in vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, protein and minerals. The amino acids build and re-generate the muscles and tissue. Either cook the rice in as much water as the rice gets soaked in it or drain out the extra water and drink it after adding a little salt and pepper or any other flavored herb or spice. This water is useful to get a healthier skin, shiny hair, boost energy levels, prevents infectious diarrhea, prevents Alzheimer’s disease, constipation and cancer, regulate blood pressure and body temperature.
For the Skin: It has wonder properties for the skin too; washing the face with this water softens the skin, improves the complexion, minimizes wrinkles, reduces skin pores and it serves as an excellent skin toner. Rice water contains anti-aging properties; it promotes the growth of cells, minimizes dark spots and fine lines and tightens the skin. Rice contains an ingredient called ‘Pitera’ which revitalizes the natural glow and clarity of the skin and increases the blood flow. This ingredient has also been used in many expensive skin care and cosmetic products. Rice water is also effective in removing skin tan; apply rice water on the affected area and let the rice water stay for 25-30 minutes before taking a bath.
For The Hair: After shampoo rinse your hair with rice water and let it stay for 3-4 minutes before a final rinse off with plain water. Rice water makes the hair shiny, reduces hair fall and keeps it healthy. One can also add rice water in face packs, conditioners, face wash and scrubber. One can even store the rice water to be used as a skin toner or conditioner in the refrigerator to make it last for 4-5 days (but not more than a week). Some people also ferment the rice water for a day before using it to increase its nutritional value in terms of minerals, antioxidants and vitamin E. You must have heard about the Yao ethnic women of Huangluo Village, China, known for their extraordinarily long hair. These women wash their hair with fermented rice water. For years, women in Asia have used rice water in their hair treatments.
Having noted the above wonder properties and uses of rice water also make a note of one final point. You should wash the rich before cooking it but not again and again, do not wash rice more than 2 times. Washing the rice again and again makes it lose vital nutrients which render the starch as well as the rice less nutritious. But washing it once or twice removes the surface starch and gives a fresher taste.
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