Using rice water for hair and skin concerns might sound amazing to you, but how about drinking it? The mere thought of consumption of rice water might sound weird to many, but it is what it is. Yes, rice water, also known as Kanji, is consumed to cure sickness and several other diseases because of its magical nutritional properties. Rice water is made by boiling the rice in water till it completely dissolves in it. In Japan, China, and several Southeastern countries, rice water has been used for ages to get amazing hair and to cure several skin-related issues.
Containing minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants such as protein, fiber, free amino acids, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), thiamine, Vitamin B (B1, B3, and B6), Vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, nitrogen, iron, zinc, magnesium, Amino acids and much more, rice water helps in curing diseases such as diarrhea, flu, indigestion, hair and skin-related disorders, hormonal issues, dehydration, low metabolism and much more. Amazing, isn’t it?
As rice water contains a lot of golden nutrients and properties that can do wonders to the human body, everyone should add rice water to their diet or use it in any form instead of throwing it away. Here are the six benefits of consuming rice water that you need to know:
Helps in aiding digestion
Disturbed digestion leads to discomfort, which further leads to a frustrated mood all day. It is very important to take good care of digestive health as if ignored for a long time can lead to bloating, heartburn, belching, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, burping, and whatnot. Rice water is rich in fiber, prebiotics, antioxidants like Vitamin C, and other nutrients that help in soothing these ailments. So, in order to have healthy digestion, it is advised to drink cooked rice water every day first thing in the morning.
Provides a good skin
Who does not want gorgeous skin? Rice water has been used for ages in countries like China and Japan as a remedy for several skin ailments. Containing an abundance of antioxidants, anti-aging, anti-fungal properties, Vitamin E, and phenolic compounds such as tocopherols, tocotrienols, and gamma-oryzanol, rice water helps in fighting against the harmful effect of free radicals in the body, and also it helps in protecting the skin against the harmful impact of UV rays which eventually leads to protection of the skin against several skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, skin cancer, etc. and providing a blemish-free, young and bouncy skin.
Helps in providing good hair
Having long, thick, and strong hair is a dream of every individual. Due to the harmful attack of chemicals and pollution, a lot of the population worldwide is facing baldness. Rice water has been traditionally used in Japan to get long and healthy hair as it contains nutrients that can be a boon for hair health. Rich in amino acids and vitamins B, C, and E, fiber, and anti-fungal properties, rice water helps in the regeneration of hair and fastens the growth of hair by promoting the circulation of blood to the scalp. Also, it helps in fighting against the fungus that can develop on the scalp and lead to dandruff. Rice water has proven to do wonders for curly and unmanageable hair. Due to the presence of a starch called inositol, it helps in removing frizz which eventually makes hair bouncy, manageable, and lively, leading to less breakage.
Helps in keeping the body hydrated
When we do a physical activity, a huge amount of water is released from the body in the form of sweat. Also, when we have a fever or vomiting, a lot of water loss happens in the body. Cooked rice water contains minerals and salt that are needed by the body in order to stay hydrated. Consuming rice water after a heavy workout or during a fever can help in balancing the electrolyte level in the body and will replenish the body with necessary nutrients, which will eventually terminate dehydration.
Helps in boosting energy
If you are a gym freak or a health-conscious person who exercises every day, you might consume health drinks in order to replenish the body with energy. Instead of spending money on several power boosters, having rice water will help you to stay full of energy at a very cheap rate, and also, it would not have a side effect on the body as well. Rice water contains high levels of carbohydrates which are easily absorbed by the human body and help in providing energy to the body.
Helps in relaxing the mind
If you have to work for hours, then higher are the chances that you are exhausted, and long working hours have affected your mental health as well. Rice water contains relaxation properties. Having a nice bath with rice water after a long tiring day will help you to relax your mind and body, which will eventually help in lowering the risks of getting several mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and much more.
Mentioned above are the six benefits of rice water. But it is always advised to seek professional help before adding anything to your diet or using it on your skin and hair as rice water is arsenic, and usage of rice water continuously on the scalp and skin can even lead to dryness which might lead to or worsen up the existing skin or hair related problem. Also, before you step up and drink it, make sure to seek professional advice because every body is different, and what might suit one may prove dangerous for the other.