Are you a health-conscious person? Are you looking for a healthy and nutritious alternative to white rice? Though many new exotic options are available, the Matta rice benefits make it one of the popular options. Matta rice is also considered one of the healthiest kinds of rice because it is jam-packed with nutrition which can be a healthier option than white rice. Therefore, before adding this rice to your diet, it is essential to know the details of Matta rice benefits. Read on!
What is Matta Rice?
Matta rice is a yellowish-red rice grain grown in dense black cotton soil in parts of Karnataka and Kerala. This rice can be an exceptional accompaniment to game meats, beef and lamb because it has a unique taste and delicate earthy flavour. In addition, many people prepare idlis, appams and snacks like kondattam and murukku with the help of Matta rice. This rice is called Red Parboiled rice, Kerala red rice, Rosematta rice or Palakkadam Matta rice.
10 Most Amazing Health Benefits of Matta Rice:
Though Matta rice can be beneficial, it is best to learn more about the Matta rice benefits, which can convince you to add them to your diet. Let us go through the list of benefits.
1. Rich In Nutrients:
The benefits of Kerala matta rice are attributed to the high amounts of nutrients and its unique taste from the red pericarp. In addition, the healthy outer coat of the rice grain is called the pericarp. The pericarp is a valuable layer many polish rice varieties lose while appearing clean and shiny during the ground-out process. However, Matta rice or Kerala red rice has all its natural goodness because it retains the outer coat. Furthermore, Matta rice contributes to a healthier diet because of its increased fibre, minerals, and vitamins.
2. Gluten-Free:
Rosematta rice promotes gut health because of its gluten-free nature. You can rest easy knowing that you can retain the nutrition of this rice by parboiling it further and not just being full of carbohydrates. If you don’t want to miss out on the incredible benefits hidden in these outer grains’ outer coating, choose the unpolished variant of Matta rice.
3. Good Source of Magnesium:
One of the prominent macro-mineral necessary for good health is Magnesium, and Matta rice is an excellent source of this mineral. Deficiency in Magnesium can lead to multiple health conditions because this mineral is necessary for several of your body’s enzymatic reactions. For example, you can find 42 grams of Magnesium in half a cup of Matta rice, which can help prevent Osteoporosis and heart disease by aiding in nerve signal transmission.
4. Reduces The Risk Of Diseases In Our Body:
You can significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart diseases by including Kerala matta rice in your diet (1). This is because Matta rice keeps all the essential blood vessels clear of clots and clogs since it is hear-friendly. In addition, this is because Matta rice has lower cholesterol and saturated fat content.
5. Reduces The Risk Of Diabetes:
Efficient management of type 2 Diabetes is among the best Matta rice benefits (2). One of the most prevalent chronic illnesses affecting most populations globally is Type 2 Diabetes mellitus which impairs the quality of life when not dealt with as soon as possible. It has been shown that whole-grain Matta rice reduces the incidence and risk of this disease.
In addition, Matta rice helps you stay healthy by developing insulin resistance and enhancing optimum glucose uptake with the help of the high Magnesium and calcium content in its pericarp.
6. Helps Meet Daily Requirement Of Fiber:
Matta rice helps with digestion because it is a rich source of fibre. The Kerala red rice helps meet your daily requirement of fibre which is most useful in today’s refined and fast food mania. Even when you eat less, the fibre content in Matta rice will make you feel fuller, helping you consume the right amount of calories. Compared to brown or white rice varieties, 100 grams of Matta rice or Red rice contains about 11.1 grams of fibre.
7. Slows Down the Carbohydrate Absorption:
The high fibre content in the Matta rice slows down carbohydrate absorption, which helps enhance its anti-diabetic properties. In addition, this slow absorption of carbs helps control the blood sugar rush associated with low-fibre and high-sugar meals.
8. Rich Source Of Vitamins A and B:
Matta rice is also a good source of many other minerals and vitamins besides Magnesium. For example, you can find generous amounts of Vitamin A and some forms of Vitamin B in the nutrient-rich coat of Matta rice. These vitamins are necessary to live a healthy life and maintain all the systems in your body.
9. Reduces Blood Pressure:
Matta rice’s low glycemic index and high fibre content can help reduce your blood pressure indirectly. The tendency to overeat is one of the reasons for hypertension. Matta rice enables you to manage and even control hypertension by giving you a sense of early fullness, helping you stay fit.
10. Rich Source of Calcium:
Compared to the conventional white rice that most people prefer, Matta rice’s high calcium content makes it a healthier option. Calcium is essential, irrespective of age and gender because it keeps our bones and teeth healthy and strong. In addition, Matta rice protects you from painful diseases like weakened bones and Osteoporosis by complementing your diet with a good dose of calcium (3).
One of the famous and nutrient-rich rice varieties from Kerala, India, is the Matta rice. Improved heart health and reduced blood pressure levels are some of the benefits of Matta rice, which are attributed to the vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and dietary fibre. In addition, this rice can also reduce the risk of Osteoporosis since it is a good source of calcium. Therefore, go through the benefits of Matta rice before adding it to your diet. Also, don’t forget to let us know if you found the article helpful!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on pure research and not a replacement for professional advice. It is always better to consult a doctor or dietician before you add anything to your diet. The website is not responsible for the authenticity and accuracy of the information.
FAQ:
1. Is Matta rice better than white rice?
Yes! Many consider Matta rice to be better than white rice. Compared to white rice, Matta rice is a rich dietary fibre and protein source.
2. Is Matta rice better than brown rice?
No! The nutritional profile of Matta rice and Brown rice is similar. However, brown rice’s mineral, dietary fibre and protein content are slightly higher than the Matta rice.
3. Is it easy to digest Matta rice?
Proper digestion and the body’s absorption of nutrients are better with Matta rice. This is because it is a rich source of fibre; whether it eases bowel movement or lubrication, the bowels aid in the easy excretion of waste.
