Health benefits of fermented rice

Fermented rice is not only a familiar dish during the Dragon Boat Festival but also has many benefits such as improving gut health and stimulating digestion.

Nutritionist Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen (Department of Nutrition, Tam Anh General Hospital , Hanoi ) said that fermented glutinous rice is a dish made from purple glutinous rice or yellow glutinous rice. In the North, fermented glutinous rice (sticky rice wine) is made from brown glutinous rice or purple glutinous rice, with the outer bran and husk layers retained, and then fermented with yeast. In the Central and Southern regions, fermented glutinous rice is usually made from glutinous rice fermented with yeast or sweet yeast. Fermented glutinous rice is rich in nutrients such as starch, B vitamins, and antioxidants like anthocyanins, which are good for health, especially the digestive system.

Stimulates digestion

Fermented glutinous rice, whether purple or white, can be enjoyed with both the liquid and the solid parts. The rice is fermented by lactic acid bacteria, converting starch into sugar. This fermentation process is beneficial for the digestive system, improving constipation and helping to prevent certain intestinal diseases.

The mild, slightly sour and sweet fermented flavor of purple sticky rice wine is considered a favorite dish by many. The fiber and acids in fermented rice wine help prevent bloating and indigestion, improving digestion... Nutritionist Thu Huyen advises that people with poor appetite and poor digestion can eat a small amount of fermented rice wine to help the intestines move smoothly and stimulate digestion.

Fermented rice wine is beneficial for the digestive system. Photo: Quynh Tran — Fermented rice wine is beneficial for the digestive system. Photo: *Quynh Tran*

Liver detoxification

Drinking too much alcohol is harmful to the liver, but fermented glutinous rice often has a low alcohol content and contains many vitamins beneficial to the liver, such as vitamins B and E. These vitamins help fight oxidation, enhance detoxification, and keep the liver healthy. However, it is important to consume it in moderation and not in excessive amounts.

Improve gut health

Fermented glutinous rice is a food item that can be enjoyed by people with irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, constipation, etc., along with other healthy foods such as green vegetables and fruits. Thanks to the yeast in the fermented rice, the digestive system is strengthened.

Nutritionist Thu Huyen notes that although fermented sticky rice has many health benefits, it's not a dish to enjoy frequently. You should eat this delicious dish after breakfast. Avoid eating fermented sticky rice on an empty stomach because the sourness of the dish can easily increase acidity, irritating the stomach lining and increasing the risk of belching, heartburn, and stomach ulcers.

Furthermore, the longer the rice wine is fermented, the stronger the fermentation process becomes, resulting in a higher alcohol content. You should consume it in small amounts to avoid getting drunk, which could affect your daily activities, especially when driving.

Since one kilogram of glutinous rice typically yields about 1.2-1.4 kilograms of fermented glutinous rice, this dish contains a significant amount of sugar. Diabetics should not consume more than 50 grams of fermented glutinous rice per meal; if eaten immediately after a meal, the amount should be reduced by one-third. During hot summer months, young children or individuals with stomach problems, allergies, eczema, etc., should avoid consuming large quantities of fermented glutinous rice as it may worsen their condition.

Emerald

Source link