Is Rice Water Healthy?

The rice water we refer to here is the water left after cooking rice. Studies and practical uses show that this water is great for treating the skin and hair; it also has many other health benefits. Records show that the Japanese have used rice water for health purpose for over 1,000 years. So yes, rice water, as funny as it may sound, is actually healthy. You already know the benefits of rice, so let`s discuss the many benefits of rice water. But before then, we will discuss the various methods of making rice water for different purposes.

How to Make Rice Water

Below are various kinds of rice water and how to make them.

No-Boil Quick

To do this, boil half a cup of rice in two cups of water for 15 minutes, then strain the rice and use the water left to wash your face, hair, or any other part of the body where you wish to apply it.

Boiled Rice Water

To get a quantity of rice water to use for an entire week as facial and hair treatment, for instance, you need to use about three times the quantity of water you would usually use to boil rice. Strain out the water once the rice is cooked; the water you have at this point contains a high concentration of nutrients. You won`t be using all at once. Diluting about three tablespoons of the rice water into a cup of your regular water would suffice. Your combination would look slightly milky. Pour it in a covered container, and store in a refrigerator. You may use it for about a week.

Fermented Rice Water

This kind of rice water is the most effective of all, as a result of the pH changes it undergoes. The pH of rice water is actually close to that of the hair. What`s more? It contains a chemical called pitera, which enhances cell regeneration.

How`s fermented rice water made? Simply follow the no-boil quick method, however, let the water remain in a jar at room temperature for about two days. In some climates, a day is enough for it to ferment. You know the fermentation process is complete when the water smells sour. After fermentation, you may dilute the water with about two cups of warm water, then use it to rinse your hair, wash your face, or any other part of your body. You may store the leftover in the refrigerator.

13 Health Benefits of Rice Water

It Prevents Dehydration

Having a drink of rice water keeps dehydration at bay. This is especially helpful in summer. Just have a drink of it before stepping out of the house, and enjoy all the nutrients you can get.

It Provides Energy

Rice contains carbs, hence rice water is a rich source of energy. The body quickly absorbs the energy it derives from rice water. A drink of rice water is a good way to start the day, keeping you energized all day.

Boosts Immunity and Metabolism

There are vitamins and minerals in rice water that make it perfect for boosting immunity and metabolism. In addition, rice water increases bone density.

It Manages Diarrhea

Rice water is an effective home remedy for combating diarrhea. Infants have a higher chance of suffering from diarrhea, and it leads to dehydration when there is no proper treatment. Rice water is an effective supplement for treatment both diarrhea and dehydration.

It Regulates Blood Temperature

Rice water is quite effective at regulating body temperature. It is helpful at keeping the body cool, especially in summer.

Relaxes the Mind and Body

Soaking your body in rice water or bathing with it helps to relax the mind and body.

Combats Skin Conditions

Applying rice water topically clears blemishes caused by skin conditions such as acne, eczema, rashes, and inflammation. So next time you have to deal with skin conditions, you know just what to use. Simply apply rice water on affected areas with a cotton ball.

Tones the Skin

Rice water lightens your skin, makes it firm, radiant and smooth. To enjoy this benefit, simply dab a cotton ball in rice water and massage your skin with it.

Soothes Sunburn

Cold rice water soothes inflamed and burnt skins. It ensures quick recovery and prevents future damage.

Acts as Exfoliant

You may add some essential oil, sea salt, and citrus to rice water to make a natural exfoliant. Simply rub on the skin and rinse after some time.

Improves Damaged Hair

Rice water contains inositol, a chemical that repairs bleached hair. This water also combats split ends. To solve hair issues, simply dip the ends of your hair in a bowl of rice water for 15 minutes, then wash your hair with running water afterward.

Adds Shine to Hair

Rice water can help make your hair shine better. Simply chop a finger of banana into slices, mash the slices, and apply it on your hair with rice water and rose water, then wear a plastic cap on your head. Wash your hair after 20 minutes.

Acts as Hair Conditioner

You can apply rice water as a conditioner after applying shampoo. As much as possible, just ensure you apply it on all hair strands, and wash off with cold water after a few minutes. You may do this thrice a week.

Rice Water Nutrients

What exactly does rice water contain, which makes it so beneficial? Let`s take a look.

Selenium

Selenium is a mineral that destroys Malassezia, the yeast that causes dandruff.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Rice water contains 16% protein, and this makes it quite an effective protein treatment. It strengthens the hair and adds sheen to it by making the cuticle smooth.

Inositol

Inositol in rice water makes the hair more elastic, stronger and more flexible.

Magnesium

Calcium buildup makes the hair hard. Magnesium dissolves it and makes the hair grow better.

Folic Acid

Folic acid strengthens and thickens the hair. When you apply rice water topically, your hair and scalp absorb folic acid rapidly, giving you the best results.

Thiamine

Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, restores hair shine and volume that is lost to stress.

Niacin

Also called vitamin B3, niacin enhances blood circulation, hence repairs follicle cells and reduces scalp inflammation.

Quick Rice Facts

• The variety of rice determines its size.
• Rice usually grows from 3.3 to 5.9 inches in height.
• Rice has elongated, slender leaves that are about 20 to 39 inches in length.
• Rice can be white, brown, purple, red, yellow, black or golden in color.
• Different cultures have their unique ways of eating rice. While people in The West eat rice with forks, the Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese eat it with chopsticks. Meanwhile, Indians eat rice with their hands.
• Over fifty percent of the labor force in Thailand engages in rice production.
• In some parts of the world, rice is a symbol of fertility; a reason for the rice-throwning tradition at weddings.
• The world has been eating rice for about 5,000 years.
• The first recorded account of rice was in China, at about 2,800 BC.
• There are over 4,000 varieties of rice cultivated across continents, except Antarctica.

Now That You Know…

Rice water is packed with loads of benefits to improve your skin, hair, and overall health. Whether you drink it or apply it topically, be sure to enjoy its nutrients.