NAVARA RICE: THE INDIAN SUPERFOOD

If you’re like us and as soon as you hear the word ‘rice’, you automatically think of traditional Asian white rice- which doesn’t exactly have a reputation for being very ‘nutrient-dense’, and if you’re following a low carb diet, it’s a big no-no. …Well India’s unique Navara rice may just turn your perception of rice upside down.

Navara rice actually falls under the whole grain category; Its an extremely unique grain plant and can only be found in the Orya genus (indigenous to Kerala). The rice is often referred to as a medicinal plant, since it’s widely used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. The herbal healers compare Navara to like ‘having gold’ and believe to be a very precious grain for their society.

There are two variations of the rice, white glumed and black glumed. Both have a subtle sweet taste and to the locals it is served as a cereal. It is easily digested and can be consumed by people of all ages.

Navara Benefits:

Navara rice is known as a super food because of its multi-beneficial healing properties, which assists with circulatory, respiratory and also the body’s digestive system.

Just one serving of the rice can offer an extensive amount of vitamin B; this aids in both metabolizing food and helping the body use its nutrients. The rice is also rich in minerals, protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates.

Baby Food Substitute: Boiled Navara can be used as infant food; it’s safe and can give the baby energy. It can also be used as a natural ‘weight gainer’ for infants who are under weight.

Digestion: As Navara rice has high levels of fiber; it assists by bulking up your body’s stool and easing your digestive process. In other words, it helps to ‘clear you out’ and assists in eliminating bloating, constipation and diarrhea.

Immune system: Another key benefit to Navara is the significant amount of vitamin C the grain holds. As we know vitamin C is deemed to be one of the best ways to boost your immune system. This is due to its ability to stimulate the making of your body’s white blood cells. These cells are extremely important for your body, as they are the first line of defense against foreign bodies.

Anti-Aging: Navara rice also boasts an impressive amount of iron and antioxidants and as we know from previous posts, our skin adores antioxidants. Due to their ability to neutralize free radicals, which are what damage our ‘healthy cells’ and when trauma is caused to these cells, they contribute to signs of aging (age spots and wrinkles).

Others believed benefits include:

• Assisting with urinary issues in children
• Aphrodisiac
• Helps with snakebites
• Growth and repairing within the body
• Bone strength
• Heals stomach ulcer
   

How to use Navara rice:
 

• Firstly you must wash the rice before cooking it in order to eliminate any particles, which may have accumulated over time.
   
• Place the rice (50gms) in a saucepan and add in warm water (just enough to cover the rice). Stir the rice.
   
• Skim off any particles, which may have risen to the top- drain the water out.
   
• Boil 500ml of water; place 50gm Navara rice in once the water has boiled.
   
• Once the rice is soft add in 1 glass of milk *Optional to add in cashews and raisins.
   
• Allow the rice to cook for 25-30 minutes