Black Rice extract 25% | Oryza sativa

Black Rice extract 25% | Oryza sativa

Properties: Black rice’s unique properties stem mainly from its color, which is due to the high concentration of anthocyanins. These compounds are known for their incredible antioxidative effects that make them a putative remedy for aging. Even without being overly optimistic, scientific results leave no doubt – these compounds indeed effectively protect the cells from damage caused by both aging and adversarial microorganisms. Thereby, they extend lifespan and efficacy of those cells significantly. However, these are not the only benefits that come from black rice supplementation. As it turns out, it also improves the functioning of the liver – our detoxification center – and prevents it from fattening. Thus, enriching the diet with black rice extract helps to cleanse the organism and maintain general well-being.  

Let’s get back to dyes, though. Research that examined the effects of black rice supplementation has proven that anthocyanins significantly accelerate the weight loss process. The researchers observed a body mass reduction of 10% – even without diet modification! What is more, the active compounds found in Oryza glutinosa also help to maintain the proper glucose level in the blood. Since this effect prevents binge eating and makes sticking to a meal schedule easier, it is essential in order to keep the figure fit.

The same dyes help to regulate the level of blood cholesterol. They shift the balance of concentrations in favor of its “good” fraction, which makes the intake of O. glutinosa extract an element of effective prevention of atherosclerosis. Without a doubt, the sole presence of anthocyanins makes supplementation of black rice extremely beneficial for health. Still, it contains many other substances that positively influence the organism. These are for instance: lutein, which protects the sight; vitamins from group B that strengthen the nervous system, as well as immunomodulatory compounds with a wide range of effects –  from supporting the fight against infections to limiting the external symptoms of allergies. Dropping the political courtesy we are tempted to say “black rice matters… for your health.”

Occurrence: Black rice is a type of glutinous rice (Oryza sativa var. glutinosa), which, in turn, is a kind of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa). It is an annual cereal plant that belongs to the Poaceae family, formerly known as Gramineae. Natively, it comes from South-East Asia, where it has been cultivated for over 7 000 years. According to data from 2018, half of global rice crops arise from China and India. These countries are also the main consumers of this plant. Black rise is characterised by smooth, nutty taste. In the Far East it is often used to prepare desserts and sweet meals.

Biochemistry: Black rise differs from “common” cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) in the lack or only minimal amylose content and high amylopectin content. This last compound is the reason for its characteristic stickiness. Similarly to regular rice, black rice is absolutely healthy for gluten-intolerant people. The name “glutinosa” is related to the English word “glutinous”, which means “sticky”, not “glutenous”. It owes its characteristic color to the compounds from the anthocyanins group. Its seeds contain more protein than these of regular, white rice. Moreover, they are a good source of fiber and iron – 50 g of black rice covers up to 6% of their daily demands. In addition to anthocyanins, the seeds also contain other antioxidant compounds (vitamin E, flavonoids and carotenoids, including lutein and zeaxanthin) and essential amino acids (lysine and tryptophan) as well as vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin and folic acid).

Fun fact: Black rice is also known as “forbidden rice”. This name comes from an old Chinese tradition, according to which only the Emperor and his family were allowed to consume it. Black rice was so precious that it was forbidden for the rest of the society.