The so-called wild rice (other names: water rice, Indian rice, aquatic cinnamon) - cereal plant, marsh grass like reeds. The plant comes from North America, grows in moist wetlands. Since ancient times, the grains of swamp grass of tsitsaniya were part of the diet of North American Indians (the harvest was collected manually from boats). The grains of wild rice are in some ways similar to rice grains, very long, have a brownish-black color and a shiny surface.
Since the early 1950's. Serious industrial cultivation of this plant began, first in the USA, then in Canada and other countries.
Currently, wild rice is a popular agricultural crop, one of the most expensive cereals (the demand for it exceeds supply). Wild rice is grown on the floodplain fields, on sites along the shores of lakes and rivers. The plant is extremely capricious to the place of cultivation and climatic conditions. This cereal is cultivated in Russia, as well as in many countries where climatic conditions permit.
Wild rice (ready-made) has a characteristic sweetish taste with "nutty" shades, is especially appreciated by nutritionists, supporters of healthy food and fans of whole-grain foods. Many modern diets are based on the regular consumption of this super product. Wild rice is excellent as a side dish, also suitable for making various snacks, soups, salads and desserts.
Benefit and harm of wild rice
Due to its unique natural properties, wild rice can be considered an excellent food. Wild rice as a product is good for losing weight due to low caloric content: only 100 kcal per 100 g of boiled product (for comparison, the calorific value of ordinary boiled rice is 116 kcal per 100 g). Wild rice is a product with a low glycemic index (35 units), which allows it to be recommended for use in such problems as obesity and diabetes.
Composition of wild rice
In general, the use of wild rice is in its unique chemical and biological composition. This unique cereal an average of about 5 times higher than other in terms of fiber, in terms of vitamins and other nutrients. The protein content is per 100 g of dry product 15 g, 70 g carbohydrate + very little fat. Vegetable fibers (fiber) are up to 6.5% of the total dry weight. Also in this product there are 18 valuable amino acids for the human body (that is, almost all necessary amino acids).
The grain of wild rice is practically gluten-free, but it is rich in vitamins (mainly group B), folic acid, and also useful trace elements (magnesium, phosphorus, copper, potassium, iron and zinc compounds). It should be recalled that zinc compounds are especially useful for men.
Regular inclusion in the menu of dishes with wild rice, definitely, has a beneficial effect on the human body, namely:
- improves eyesight and eliminates eye fatigue;
- improves the energy status of muscles;
- facilitates the regulation and optimization of metabolism ;
- improves the functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems;
- regulates transport and cholesterol metabolism;
- reduces swelling;
- regulates blood pressure.
With all the usefulness and remarkable properties of wild rice, dishes with this product should not be consumed more than 2-3 times a week, especially for those who have problems with slowing down digestion (when used in unlimited amounts, constipation may occur). To consume wild rice is recommended with vegetables, fruits, as they contribute to its assimilation. It is also good to combine wild rice with protein products of animal origin (fish, meat, mushrooms).