Healthy Beat

Usually, when we think of health foods, our idea might be of something a bit fancier than rice water. However, rice water is so laden in health benefits, that it could be considered a super food.

In Asia, rice water, or congee, is served early in the morning for an energetic start. However, rice water has a variety of other benefits that make it the perfect supplement in a healthy lifestyle.

1. Dehydration

According to a study done by the Lancet, rice water can prevent dehydration and works as a very effective electrolyte solution when we are dehydrated already.

2. Diarrhea

The weak starch solution that is produced when rice is boiled in the water was considered to be exponentially better than a glucose-electrolyte solution for the treatment of diarrhea.

3. All Natural Energy

Rice water is actually an acceptable substitute for an energy drink that is all natural, and multi-tasks for our health. If you are feeling tired, or need something to push you through the rest of your day, simply fix some rice water and drink 8 oz.

4. Stomach Pains

Stomach pains, diarrhea, and other symptoms of gastroenteritis can easily be calmed with a glass of rice water. The solution formed by the rice cooking into the water creates a product that is filled with electrolytes and other beneficial nutrients.

5. Rice Water for Hair Growth

Simply rinse your hair with the rice water, and then shampoo. Don’t condition, instead, rinse your hair with rice water before rinsing once more with water. Try this twice weekly to see results quickly.

6. Get Rid of Dandruff

Each time you wash your hair, rinse it with rice water to relieve most symptoms of dandruff.

7. Bye, Bye Acne

Use rice water on a cotton ball like an astringent to rid your skin of acne.

8. Prevention of Gastroenteritis

Studies show that drinking rice water can prevent the onset of many gastroenterology issues. 

And its number 1 benefit, is that it is extremely simple to make. If you have ever made rice before, it isn’t usual to have any water left over when the rice is complete.

In order to create rice water, it requires quite a bit more water than usual. Just throw two or three tablespoons of any rice that you have in your cabinet into a saucepan and add two cups of water. Do not season this. Allow the mixture to boil until it becomes murky and white, and then strain the rice while you reserve the water. Cool the rendered water and store for up to four days.

Rice water is said to provide a number of other benefits, including cancer prevention, reduction of blood pressure and even as a cure for viral infections. Unfortunately, the research to back these claims is not conclusive. What can be said for rice water is that its verified health benefits are absolutely amazing in contrast to more expensive, chemical laden alternatives.