Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) is a carbohydrate rich food crop that supplies our bodies with energy and nutrients. They are typically classified as long, medium and short grained. White Rice is one of the most commonly used type of grain used in cooking.

Washing the rice several times before cooking removes chemicals, dirt and excess starch and rehydrates the grains.

While washing the rice, you will notice a milky colored liquid, this is known as Rice water, typically used in Asian cultures as an inexpensive beauty, health and home remedy.

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BABY DRINK

Containing nutrients like protein and fiber, vitamins such as Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Thiamine, and minerals such as, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc and Manganese.

Rice water is a commonly used supplement alongside breastmilk and powdered milk, which provides additional nutrients for your baby’s needs.

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FOOD THICKENING AGENT

The starch content in rice water acts as a natural food thickening agent when added to soups and other dishes. Rice water is said to give a smoother texture to your dishes.

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TREATS DIARRHEA

Rice water is commonly used in Asian households as an effective and inexpensive way to treat mild to moderate diarrhea in infants and adults. It also helps restore electrolyte imbalance in the body (Source: Semantic Scholar).

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HAIR WASH

The use of rice water as a hair wash dates back hundred of years ago and originated from the Japanese Heian Period, where the women were known for their long, beautiful locks.

They attributed the strength, length and beauty of their hair to the use of rice water during bathing.

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SKIN TONIC

Used in beauty regimens, rice water is known to treat minor skin irritations like itching, flaking and dryness, lighten pigmentations, brightens skin and may improve skin elasticity (Source: Research Gate).

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DEODORIZE PLASTIC CONTAINERS

Food placed in plastic containers leave an odor behind which can be tough to remove, soaking your plastic containers in rice water for 20 to 30 minutes before scrubbing can help eliminate the odor.

Rice with its benefits also contains arsenic, thorough washing can help reduce the arsenic level in your rice water and proper cooking can drastically reduce its levels (Source: NCBI).