Rice Water: Health And Skin Benefits
Rice water has become more and more popular in recent years, as in addition to being very good for the skin and hair, it also has health properties that can benefit us in some disorders such as diarrhea, for example.
It is rich in vitamins and minerals and recommended both to treat vomiting and diarrhea and to stimulate the production of breast milk.
In Asia, it is one of the most popular beauty secrets, as the large amount of vitamins and nutrients it offers makes it a great ally for skin care and hair beauty. Want more reasons not to waste rice water? Keep reading.
Health Benefits of Rice Water
Rice water is rich in B-complex vitamins, folic acid, iron, potassium, zinc and magnesium, which represent part of the nutrients that rice loses during the cooking process.
These benefits can be enjoyed mainly with white rice, as this variety loses more nutrients in the process than brown rice. Its main health benefits are:
- Provides energy.
- It is recommended for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, etc.
- Helps prevent gastroenteritis.
- Helps regulate body temperature.
- It is ideal for alleviating skin irritations.
- Helps prevent and treat constipation.
Aesthetic Benefits of Rice Water
Rice water is rich in beneficial properties for the skin, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, among other compounds. Thanks to these properties, it helps protect the skin from the sun’s rays, fight inflammation and skin irritation and prevent premature aging.
One of the most special compounds in rice water is inositol, a complex that promotes cell growth and stimulates blood flow, which is essential to prevent the early signs of aging and reduce the appearance of open pores in the skin. In conclusion, the cosmetic benefits of rice water are:
- Smoother, smoother skin.
- Excellent as a natural tonic.
- Helps open the closed pores of the face.
- Relieves skin irritations.
- Provides a protective layer to the skin.
- It can be applied to the hair for an extra touch of shine and softness.
How to prepare rice water
Many people have the mistaken idea that rice water is what is left over after we wash the rice before cooking it, but that’s not quite the case. This water can be used, but it does not offer the same benefits as that obtained with real rice water, which is what is prepared when rice is boiled in water.
Ingredients
- half a cup of white rice
- 4 cups of water
Method of preparation
- In a saucepan, boil the four cups of water. Then add rice and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.
- When ready, strain the rice and reserve the water in a glass container. If your intention is to apply it to the skin, put it in the fridge. When it is very cold apply it using a cotton.
In countries like Mexico, it is traditional to flavor it with cinnamon and sweeten it with sugar. It can also be accompanied with dairy products and nuts, even if it is appropriate in cases of diarrhea to consume it without any supplement.
