Cebu City - Filipino’s main staple is rice. Most of the time white rice is consumed and paired with different viands every mealtime with the different varieties of rice sold in the market whether white rice, brown rice, red rice, and black rice. 

In Chinese culture, black rice is called as the ‘Forbidden Rice’ since it became a property for rich families or royalties in China. But now black rice is already available to everyone. Black rice is not commonly consumed by Filipinos compared to the brown or red rice variety, since it is not commonly cultivated by our farmers. 

Black rice is rich in antioxidants due to its deep black or violet color like blackberries or blueberries. Antioxidants are responsible for protecting your cells against free radicals. Natural dark or violet-colored foods are rich in the antioxidant anthocyanin which is a pigment that is responsible for the black-purple color found in foods. The antioxidant anthocyanin is said to help in preventing cardiovascular disease for individuals who regularly consume food items that are rich in this compound. It helps with the maintain cholesterol levels, managing Low-Density Lipo-protein (LDL) which is commonly known as the bad cholesterol. 

The black rice is also a natural detoxifier, where the phytonutrients found in black rice helps cleanse the body especially flushing toxins or unwanted substance in the liver. So, what are you waiting for? Grab that black rice now for a healthier staple source. // NO I Christine April M. Lopez, RND