Overview
Rice water is an excellent home remedy filled with lots of nutrients and antioxidants, which helps to treat diarrhoea, prevents dehydration problems and helps to maintain healthy skin and hair. Rice water has immense health benefits and has been used for ages; it is a natural way to recover quickly from loose stool.
People around the world use rice water almost daily in their diet, skincare routine, and hair care. Rice water is a traditional beauty secret, packed with nutrients, easy to make and cost-effective. It has been used for centuries by Asian people for various health benefits.
Rice water is starchy water prepared from rice. It is the cooked water left after the boiled rice or soaked rice for a long period of time. It is easy to prepare and has amazing benefits.
Health Benefits of Rice Water
What is rice water good for? Let's know the rice water benefits. Consuming rice water is healthy for your digestive and immune system. Plus, it can be used externally to help improve your hair and skin health.
1. Helps to treat diarrhoea
Rice water provides nutrients and fluids to your body to prevent dehydration. The starchy water helps to bind the stool and treat diarrhoea. Using only rice water won't help; you have to add electrolytes to it.
Boil 1 cup of rice with 3 cups of water for 10 minutes until the water becomes cloudy, strain the rice and use the water, add salt or sugar as per your taste to help replace some electrolytes lost.
2. Improves gut health
Rice water is fermented water, also known as "maand" and kanji. Rice water contains probiotics and nutrients that improve the balance of the gut microbiome. Rice is basically gluten-free and a valuable option for people with coeliac disease or non-coeliac disease. Probiotics present in rice water are good for your gut health and diarrhoea.
3. Prevents dehydration
After an energetic physical activity or recovery from illness, it is essential to rehydrate your body properly. Rice water provides natural electrolytes, which makes it an ideal choice to prevent dehydration. Rice water helps to restore lost fluids and minerals.
When prepared with salt, it acts as homemade saline water for oral rehydration.
4. Helps in improving skin health
Rice water helps to protect your skin from damage caused by pollution and the sun. It gives you immense benefits for your skin. Rice water is rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that work wonders for your skin. Fermented rice water can help you with dull skin or pigmented skin; it also works wonderfully to cure pimples and their scars.
Rice water is a traditional beauty treatment in many Asian countries. Rice water is the main element of Korean beauty treatments and remedies for brighter, flawless, and younger-looking skin. You can apply rice water as a toner or take a soothing bath to relieve an irritating skin condition.
5. Rice water for hair care
Is rice water good for your hair? Rice water is said to effectively promote hair health; it strengthens your hair and helps it grow long. Using rice water as a hair mask can fix your hair problems. Rice water is a rich source of inositol, manganese, vitamin E, vitamin B, magnesium, fibre, and zinc. At the same time, vitamin E is a type of antioxidant, and biotin is one of the B vitamins that is closely associated with hair growth.
Washing floor-length hair with rice water helps in getting frizz-free hair and prevents split ends. Rinsing hair with rice water makes your hair shiny and smooth, whereas it reduces hair loss with the zinc element present in it.
6. Boost the immune system
One of the biggest benefits of drinking rice water is that it boosts your immune system. Rice water contains minerals and vitamins like zinc, iron and vitamin B that support immune system functionality. Drinking rice water regularly can increase your immune system, which helps to improve the body's response to infection and bacteria. The immune-boosting elements like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves infused with rice water will help your body defend itself against infection and bacteria naturally.
7. Relieves period cramps
Rice water is rich in magnesium, which helps relax the uterus and reduce the production of inflammatory substances. The relaxing property of rice water reduces muscle contraction, therefore reducing menstrual pain. When in pain, try drinking a cup of warm rice water; the richness and warmth of rice water will give relief.
8. Increase energy level
Boil rice in extra water and strain when properly cooked. Rice water contains carbohydrates that help the body maintain energy levels and prevent fatigue or tiredness. Amino acids, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants keep electrolyte levels balanced in the body. It's a wonder drink for the summer to beat the heat and stay hydrated.
9. Rice water for weight management
Let's discuss rice water for weight loss. Rice water can also be used for weight management, as rice water contains soluble fibre that gives a feeling of fullness in a class of servings. It can be beneficial to those who want to start their weight loss journey because it is low in calories, and the natural sugar in rice water makes it a sweet drink alternative for sweet cravings. You will have the proper amount of nutrients without a heavy meal.
10. Food for toddlers
Rice is a superfood, a gluten-free food which has amazing nutrients and antioxidants. Rice is probably the first food given to babies, as it is easy to swallow. It is soft, easy to digest and provides instant energy. Mash rice with rice water and feed it to your baby; it will be an easy food for the stomach and help with constipation, too.
How to make Rice Water?
Making rice water is no rocket science; it needs no special ingredients; just rice and water are enough.
To make rice water, add 1/2 cup of rice and 4 cups of water to a pot. First, wash the rice roughly once, add rice and water to a pot and cook it for 20-30 minutes. When the water looks milky and has a starchy texture to it, strain it in a container and use it when it's at room temperature. You can store the rice water in a glass jar in the refrigerator for a maximum of 1 week.
How to use Rice Water?
You can use rice water in many ways according to your needs; here are some basic ways.
Rice water for diarrhoea: How to make rice water to drink? Drink one glass of rice water in the morning and evening until your diarrhoea is in control.
Rice water for healthy skin: Use rice water to wash your face or use it in the shower for health skin. You can dab a cotton pad in rice water and apply rice water to your face as a mask.
Rice water for healthy hair: First, wash your hair with shampoo and rinse it with water, then use rice water on the length of your hair and wait for 2-3 minutes and then wash your hair again with water nicely to remove the smell.
Conclusion
Rice water is an ancient, healthy home remedy that has been used for ages; it is easy to make and cost-effective. Rice water is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Whether you consume rice water or apply it, it gives you amazing results. Incorporating rice water into your daily routine can give you a healthier and vibrant life.
Although there are no side effects of rice water, if you still feel allergic or have digestive issues, consult your doctor for better results. The side effects of rice water on hair include protein overload, starch buildup, etc.
FAQs
What is rice water used for?
Rice water is used for hair care and skin care; washing your face with rice water or using rice water toner can give you healthy-looking skin. Meanwhile, rinsing your hair with rice water promotes hair growth and solves the issue of dry and frizzy hair. The rice water diet, called ricezempic, involves drinking a homemade drink made from strained rice water.
What is fermented rice water?
Fermented rice water is milky, starchy water that is kept for a longer time after being strained from cooked or rinsed rice.
Can rice water grow hair?
Yes, rice water can help you with hair growth, dryness and frizzy hair.
What does rice do for your body?
Rice has many health benefits, like providing energy, aiding digestion, etc.
