Red rice – Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, Recipes

Patient Tools

Read, save, and share this guide

Use these quick tools to make this medical article easier to read, print, save, or share with a family member.

Article Summary

Red rice is a variety of rice that is colored red by its anthocyanin content. It is usually eaten unhulled or partially hulled and has a red husk, rather than the more common brown. Red rice has a nutty flavor. Compared to polished rice, it has the highest nutritional value of rice eaten with the germ intact.[citation needed]. Some red rice has low glycemic index. This means that the rice will be slowly...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains A Brief Background On Red Rice in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Nutritional value of Red Rice in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Health benefits of Red Rice in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Final Word in simple medical language.
Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.
Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.
Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

  • Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
  • New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
  • Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.
1

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

2

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

3

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

Red rice is a variety of rice that is colored red by its anthocyanin content. It is usually eaten unhulled or partially hulled and has a red husk, rather than the more common brown. Red rice has a nutty flavor. Compared to polished rice, it has the highest nutritional value of rice eaten with the germ intact.[citation needed]. Some red rice has low glycemic index. This means that the rice will be slowly digested and energy will be slowly released. This will cause a slower increase in blood sugar levels. [rx] Red rice contains high antioxidant levels that reduce free radicals in the organism [rx] Besides, it is a rich source of iron, magnesium, calcium, and zinc content than white rice [rx]

Red rice Quick Facts
Name:Red rice
Scientific Name:Oryza punctata
OriginTropical Africa, South Africa, and Madagascar
ColorsRed, light-red, dark-red, light-pink-red
ShapesLength: 3.07 – 4.01mm
Breadth: 1.05 – 2.01 mm
TasteDelicious earthy taste
Calories405 Kcal./cup
Major nutrientsIron (68.75%)
Carbohydrate (66.69%)
Zinc (30%)
Protein (14%)
Fat (14%)
Fiber (7.11%)
Potassium (5.45%)
Health benefitsContains antioxidants to counteract free radicals, Containing Vitamin B6, Can Lower High Cholesterol, Can Help Prevent Heart Disease, Can Lower Blood Glucose, It lowers the risk of obesity, helps in fighting asthma, is fortified with powerful antioxidants, good for your bone health, rich in fiber
A variety of rices are known as “red rice”. Generally, individuals mean unhulled or partially hulled rice that includes a red husk, as opposed to a lot more common brown. Just like other unhulled  rices, red rice includes a nutty flavor, along with a higher nutritional value, thanks to the proven fact that the germ of the rice is left intact.

Several specialty stores carry red rice, frequently defined as “Bhutanese red rice” or even “cargo rice,” not to be confused with basmati rice also it can even be bought through companies that concentrate on rice.

Red rice is a common favorite, especially among the regular white rice eaters that are looking for a much healthier alternative. Red rice, is, after all, one of the purest and the richest in some of the essential nutrients that are needed for the body.

That said, in addition to browsing through Newport Natural Health News, if you’re interested in learning more about this healthier staple option of whole grains, keep reading through below. Here, you’ll come face-to-face with the health benefits that red rice can bring.

A Brief Background On Red Rice

However, “red rice” may also make reference to a wild variety of rice that features a low grain yield, leading numerous rice farmers in indigenous Asia to regard it as a weed. This kind of red rice becomes a genuine nuisance alongside rice plantations since it can cross-breed, producing inferior rice plants, also it can take over. Numerous attempts have been made to genetically modify this rice varietal to really make it more beneficial. The word “red rice” is additionally sometimes utilized to make reference to red yeast rice, a specialized product produced in China and Japan. To make red yeast rice, manufacturers hull, and polish rice grains and after that cultivate a mold that results in a crusty red coating. This particular rice could be consumed such as frequent rice; however, it is also utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine to deal with a number of conditions. Research on red yeast rice also seems to claim that it may help combat dangerous cholesterol levels.

Assuming one is not talking about a weed in order to red yeast rice, red rice is available in a number of forms. Several cultivars are short-grained and are incredibly sticky, while some are long-grained. Red rice is cultivated in Europe, Southeast Asia, and also the American South, and a few companies have developed their own cultivars by cross-breeding several varieties.

Whenever red rice is cooked, the natural red colorization within the bran, or hull of the rice, leaches out and dyes the rest of the dish red to pink. Red rice has lots of fiber, due to the bran, and the flavor is significantly more powerful compared to hulled rice, tasting more nutty and full. Red rice works well with a number of foods and also eaten by itself, also it can be included in risotto and other combined rice dishes too. That’s why red rice is now considered a very healthy kind of whole grain.

There are thousands of varieties of rice around the world among them rice with red bran layer are known as red rice. The recolor of the rice bran ranges from light to dark. The red bran layer contains 95% of the minerals and dietary fiber of the whole rice which contains Iron, Zinc Potassium Sodium, Manganese, and so forth. The inner white portion contains predominantly carbohydrates and proteins.

Nutritional value of Red Rice

Serving Size: 100 g

Calories 405 Kcal.Calories from Fat 44.10 Kcal.

ProximityAmount% DV
Energy405 Kcal (1695 KJ)ND
Protein7 g14.00%
Total Fat (Lipid)4.9 g14.00%
Carbohydrate86.7 g13.55%
Total dietary Fiber2.7 g7.11%
Water1.6 gND
Ash3.4 gND
MineralsAmount% DV
Iron, Fe5.5 mg.68.75%
Zinc, Zn3.3 mg.30.00%
Potassium, K256 mg.5.45%
Sodium, Na6 mg.0.40%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Health benefits of Red Rice

Red rice is a kind of unpolished rice that has higher nutritional value compared to white rice or even polished rice. Cooking time is comparatively more than white rice and it has a nutty taste and a more gratifying flavor. It is fiber-rich content, Vitamin B1 & B2, iron, and calcium. Because of the higher nutritive content and health advantages of red rice, it is strongly advised for heart patients as well as diabetics. Additionally, it is loved by health gurus as well as fitness fanatics since it’s high fiber content helps gain less weight. By consuming red rice, you can get the following nutrition and also health advantages.

 1. Contains antioxidants to counteract free radicals

Red/brown rice is a great source of iron or manganese. Mangan, who was simply instrumental in producing energy for the body is a vital element of the enzyme and is also an anti-oxidant that may safeguard the body from free-radicals that are formed once the energy produced. Additionally, red/brown rice is full of zinc, a mineral that can help accelerate wound healing and maintain the body’s defense mechanisms to function effectively. Just like iron or manganese, zinc is additionally full of anti-oxidants that safeguard the body from free radicals that may damage tissues and cells within the body.

2. Containing Vitamin B6

By consuming only one serving of red/brown rice, can meet 23 percent of vitamin B6, the quantity required for the functioning of the organ. This particular vitamin is required to help balance the development of serotonin, red blood cells helping the creation of DNA cells.

3. Can Lower High Cholesterol

In 1970, human studies reported red rice’s effect on reducing the blood levels of total cholesterol. The active component in red rice is monacolin K. It’s just like lovastatin within the prescription drug cholesterol-lowering drug, Mevacor. In accordance with EMedtv, the United States Food and Drug Administration has ruled that simply because lovastatin is really a prescription drug, any red yeast rice supplement with a substantial dosage of lovastatin is surely an unapproved drug and not a dietary supplement. Do not take red rice in case you have liver disease, are pregnant, or are younger than 18. Side effects consist of gas, heartburn and dizziness.

4. Can Help Prevent Heart Disease

Higher amounts of low-density lipoprotein or LDL in the blood cause plaque build-up in the walls of the arteries. This particular narrows the size of the arteries and could block the coronary artery, causing a heart attack. Reducing LDL cholesterol levels reduces the chance of heart disease. A 2009 study carried out by David Becker and Ram Gordon, cardiologists at Chestnut Hill Hospital reported that LDL cholesterol levels reduced more in patients receiving red yeast rice compared to patients getting a placebo.

When your LDL or bad cholesterol levels are controlled, your heart health also improves. Your chances of contracting cardiovascular problems become slim. This is a very good thing since heart-related problems can be fatal.

5. Can Lower Blood Glucose

Uncontrolled blood glucose levels in diabetics can ruin the eyes, kidneys and also the coronary heart. Controlling blood sugar levels reduces these dangers. In a animal research carried out at the Department of Food Science at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Hon-Qi–a form of red yeast rice–was administered to induced-diabetic rats and also to rats with normal blood glucose levels. This was a try to create a new replacement for dealing with insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes. The results claim that oral administration of Hon-Qi may reduce blood glucose in diabetic rats inadequate insulin.

6. It lowers the risk of obesity

Red rice will help you decrease the desire to eat and may cause you to feel fuller for the really long time. Moreover, red rice provides energy in your body and helps the digestion. Red rice is completely fat-free. Most likely you know that high-fat consumption boost the chance of obesity. It’s been shown that individuals who eat red rice on a daily basis, have got a reduce chance of obesity. In case you are attempting to drop a few unwanted pounds, eating red rice could make the method simpler.

7. It helps in fighting asthma

Since red rice is a superb source of magnesium, which will help to manage your normal breathing pattern, consuming red rice regularly will assist you to avoid the issue of asthma. This really is among the best advantages of eating red rice. If you suffer from asthma, talk to your doctor and discover whether you can consume red rice or not.

8. It’s fortified with powerful antioxidants

Red rice is additionally loaded with effective anti-oxidants which are extremely therapeutic for the skin. Consuming red rice frequently might help avoid the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. Plus, red rice may help firm and tighten the skin and minimize the damage brought on by UV rays that may result in wrinkles.

9. Red rice is good for your bone health

As we mentioned above, red rice is a superb source of magnesium, that is ideal for your bone health. Magnesium is a crucial nutrient needed to build healthy bones and magnesium deficiency can result in fracture risk. সহজ বাংলা: হাড় দুর্বল হয়ে ভাঙার ঝুঁকি বেশি।" data-rx-term="osteoporosis" data-rx-definition="Osteoporosis means weak, fragile bones with higher fracture risk. সহজ বাংলা: হাড় দুর্বল হয়ে ভাঙার ঝুঁকি বেশি।">osteoporosis and low bone density later in life. It has been verified that regular consumption of red rice will help avoid and relieve joint problems.

10. It’s rich in fiber

Red rice is really a whole grain to help you meet your daily fiber requirements. One-quarter cup of red rice consists of about 2 grams of fiber, and it’s 8 percent of your daily fiber requirements.For adults, the recommended fiber intake is at 14 grams per 1,000 calories.

Fiber is renowned for its capability to assist in preventing and alleviate constipation, and enhance bowel function. While white rice is full of carbs, red rice is loaded with fiber. Additionally, it offers energy to your body required for regular body functioning.

Even better yet, if you’re on the pursuit of losing weight healthily and becoming more fit, red rice works for this purpose since it’s effective in controlling your hunger. Thereby, digestion is slowed down, and weight control is better managed.

11. It’s Rich In Iron

This benefit is particularly advantageous to those of you that have iron deficiency or are anemic. In addition to the supplements that you take, you may want to add red rice in your diet since it’s a rich source of iron. Healthy men need at least 8mg of iron a day, while women need 18mg. With even just ¼ cup serving of red, you’re already able to meet 2% of your daily iron requirement.

Note that iron is very important in your body for you to function well. Oxygen is needed by your body to flow through, else you’re going to feel weak the entire day. More importantly, iron also helps ward off any infection that may attack your body.

Final Word

The health benefits enumerated above are only a few of the promising ones that you’re set to receive by consuming red rice. Especially when rice is a staple in your household, you’re going to want to make this better switch.

What you take in every day can greatly affect your health and that of your family. So, you’re going to want to make this effect a positive one. These advantages that you receive from red rice should convince you enough that making this switch is, in fact, the better choice. Now, start adding red rice on your grocery list today.

History of Rice

The history of red rice goes back to its origin in China, dating back to the Tang dynasty of A.D. 800. Red rice served two purposes: culinary and medicinal. Culinarily, it is utilized both like a food coloring and dietary staple in a few parts of China. In traditional Chinese medicine, red rice includes a history of naturally handling a number of health issues, which range from increased blood flow to better digestion to eliminating blood blockages.

Types of  Red Rice

Red rice, also referred to as weedy rice, a low-yielding rice variety that persists like a weed in fields of better-quality rice. Varieties of red rice include:

  1. Rakthashali: It is an uncommon rice variety
  2. Thai Red Cargo rice: It is a non-glutinous long grain rice variety
  3. Bhutanese red rice: It is a medium-grain rice grown within the Kingdom of Bhutan in the eastern Himalayas
  4. Camargue red rice: It is a comparatively new variety of rice grown within the wetlands of the Camargue region of southern France
  5. Matta rice Kerala Matta rice: Also referred to as Rosematta rice, Palakkad Matta rice, Kerala Red rice, or Red parboiled rice, it is definitely an indigenous variety of rice grown in Palakkad District of Kerala. It really is well-known in Kerala and Sri Lanka where it really is utilized on regularly for idlis, appams, and plain rice.

How to cook

Bring the water (do not use tap water), rice, and salt to a boil in a saucepan. 1 cup of dry rice calls for 3 cups of water. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it rest for five minutes. You can eat it as a side to vegetables salad and/or beans.

Recipe using Red Rice

5 Spice Pork Red Rice

Ingredients
  • 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. Chinese five spice seasoning*
  • 3 Tbsp. soy sauce, divided
  • 1 lb. pork tenderloin
  • 2 tsp. sesame oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 3-4 baby bok choy, coarsely chopped
  • 3 cups cooked Village Harvest Red Rice
Instructions
  • In a shallow bowl, combine, sugar, salt and five spice, then stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Roll tenderloin in marinade to coat completely, cover and refrigerate for around 30 minutes and as much as 24 hours (turning to evenly coat periodically).
  • Grill pork tenderloin over medium-high indirect heat (appx. 400ºF) for around 10 minutes, then turn over as well as continue cooking another Ten minutes of until cooked through. Transfer pork to a clean cutting board and allow to rest.
  • Heat sesame oil in the large sauté pan over medium heat. Add garlic as well as cook till just golden, stirring occasionally. Mix in bok choy as well as soy sauce and cook till just wilted. Stir in rice and heat through.
  • While rice is heating, slice pork tenderloin across the grain into 1/4 inch thick slices. Toss into rice mixture or serve on top.

*If you cannot find Chinese five spice within your market, you could make your own by combining equal parts ground star anise, fennel, black pepper, cinnamon and clove.

Spicy Thai Peanut Rice

Ingredients
  • 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
  • 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1 small jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced into rings
  • 3 cups cooked Village Harvest Red Rice
  • 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 2 tsp. lime juice
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped roasted peanuts
Instructions

Heat oil in the large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Stir in onions and peppers and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, till lightly browned. Mix in red rice and soy sauce and cook till heated through. Remove from heat and add lime juice, basil as well as peanuts and season to taste with salt right before serving.

Warnings

You will need to discuss a red rice treatment like a health remedy together with your medical professional. Get recommendations from the medical professional about where to purchase the product, what dosage is necessary and any suggested producers. Be sure to inform your provider of any medications you might be taking along with any known drug allergies.

References

Patient safety assistant

Check your symptom safely

Hi, I am RX Symptom Navigator. I can help you understand what to read next and what warning signs need care.
Warning: Do not use this in emergencies, pregnancy, severe illness, or as a substitute for a doctor. For children or teens, use with a parent/guardian and clinician.
A rural-friendly guide: warning signs, when to see a doctor, related articles, tests to discuss, and OTC safety education.
1 Symptom 2 Severity 3 Safe guidance
First safety question

Is there chest pain, breathing trouble, fainting, confusion, severe bleeding, stroke-like weakness, severe injury, or pregnancy danger sign?

Choose quickly

Browse by body area
Start here: Write or select a symptom. The guide will show warning signs, doctor guidance, diagnostic tests to discuss, OTC safety education, and related RX articles.

Important: This tool is educational only. It cannot diagnose, treat, or replace a doctor. OTC information is not a prescription. In an emergency, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest hospital.

Doctor visit helper

Prepare before seeing a doctor

A simple rural-patient checklist to help you explain symptoms clearly, ask better questions, and avoid unsafe self-treatment.

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Basic vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level if needed
  • Relevant blood, urine, imaging, or specialist tests only after clinical assessment
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Back pain care roadmap

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • New leg weakness, numbness around private area, or loss of bladder/bowel control
  • Back pain after major injury, fever, unexplained weight loss, cancer history, or severe night pain
Doctor / service to discuss: Orthopedic/spine specialist, physical medicine doctor, physiotherapist under guidance, or qualified clinician.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Discuss neurological examination first. X-ray or MRI may be needed only when red flags, injury, nerve weakness, or persistent severe symptoms are present.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.
  • Avoid forceful massage or bone-setting when there is weakness, injury, fever, or nerve symptoms.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area from the RX Article Professional Blocks panel.