10 Excellent Benefits Of Matta Rice For Health

Discover the Nutritional Advantages and Culinary Delights of this Unique Rice Variety

Last updated on April 21, 2023
Health Benefits Of Matta Rice

If you’re someone who prioritizes health and nutrition in your diet, you may be on the lookout for a wholesome alternative to white rice. While there are several exotic options available in the market, Matta rice has emerged as a popular choice due to its numerous benefits. Regarded as one of the healthiest rice varieties, Matta rice is loaded with essential nutrients that make it a healthier choice than white rice. However, before incorporating this rice into your diet, it’s crucial to understand the details of its benefits. Keep reading to discover the advantages of consuming Matta rice.

Did You Know

Matta Rice is also known as Rosematta rice because of its distinctive reddish-pink color that resembles the shade of rose petals.

Know Your Ingredient: Matta Rice

What Is It?

Matta rice is a type of unpolished rice that is native to the Indian subcontinent, particularly the Kerala region of South India.

What Are Its Benefits?

Can help in weight management, reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, and promote cardiovascular health

Who Can Use It?

Matta rice can be used by anyone who enjoys rice and wants to incorporate a nutritious alternative to white rice into their diet. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who are health-conscious and seeking a high-fiber and nutrient-dense option.

How Often?

Matta rice can be consumed regularly as a substitute for white rice, as it is a healthy and nutritious option.

Caution

Individuals with rice allergies should avoid Matta rice.

What Is Matta Rice?

Matta rice, also known as brown rice or Kerala Red rice, is a unique and nutritious variety of rice that is widely consumed in South India and Sri Lanka. This traditional grain has gained popularity in recent years due to its numerous health benefits and distinct flavor profile. Matta rice is packed with essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and is a great source of energy. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture make it a versatile ingredient in various culinary preparations, including rice dishes, salads, and desserts. In this article, we will explore the top 10 excellent benefits of Matta rice for health, highlighting its nutritional advantages and culinary delights.

10 Amazing Health Benefits Of Matta Rice

Though Matta rice can be beneficial, it is best to learn more about the Matta rice benefits, which can convince you to add them to your diet. Let us go through the list of benefits.

Trivia

Matta rice is considered a whole grain, as it retains its bran and germ layers, which are rich in fiber and nutrients.

1. Promotes Digestive Health

Matta Rice Helps In Digestive Health

Matta rice is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion. Fiber-rich diets have been linked to a reduced risk of constipation, bloating, and other digestive issues. Matta rice contains significantly higher levels of dietary fiber than polished rice, making it a better choice for promoting digestive health. Compared to brown or white rice varieties, 100 grams of Matta rice or Red rice contains about 11.1 grams of fibre.

2. Rich Source of Calcium

Compared to the conventional white rice that most people prefer, Matta rice’s high calcium content makes it a healthier option. Calcium is essential, irrespective of age and gender because it keeps our bones and teeth healthy and strong. In addition, Matta rice protects you from painful diseases like weakened bones and Osteoporosis by complementing your diet with a good dose of calcium (1).

3. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

Matta Rice Helps In Regulating Diabetes

Matta rice has a low glycemic index, which means it releases glucose into the bloodstream at a slower rate, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. This makes it an ideal choice for people with diabetes or those looking to regulate their blood sugar levels. According to a study(2), consuming Matta rice can significantly reduce postprandial blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

4. Reduces The Risk Of Diseases In Our Body

Matta Rice Reduces Risk Of Diseases In Our Body

You can significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart diseases by including Kerala matta rice in your diet (1). This is because Matta rice keeps all the essential blood vessels clear of clots and clogs since it is hear-friendly. In addition, this is because Matta rice has lower cholesterol and saturated fat content.

5. Rich In Nutrients

The benefits of Kerala matta rice are attributed to the high amounts of nutrients and its unique taste from the red pericarp. In addition, the healthy outer coat of the rice grain is called the pericarp. The pericarp is a valuable layer many polish rice varieties lose while appearing clean and shiny during the ground-out process. However, Matta rice or Kerala red rice has all its natural goodness because it retains the outer coat. Furthermore, Matta rice contributes to a healthier diet because of its increased fibre, minerals, and vitamins.

6. Good Source of Magnesium

Matta Rice is also a great source of magnesium. Magnesium is an important macro-mineral required every day for good health. It is used in several enzymatic reactions in your body, and its deficiency can lead to multiple health conditions.

Half a cup of Matta rice has close to 42 g of magnesium From aiding in nerve signal transmission to preventing heart disease and osteoporosis, Magnesium is a vital component for staying healthy!

7. Gluten-Free

Rosematta rice promotes gut health because of its gluten-free nature. You can rest easy knowing that you can retain the nutrition of this rice by parboiling it further and not just being full of carbohydrates. If you don’t want to miss out on the incredible benefits hidden in these outer grains’ outer coating, choose the unpolished variant of Matta rice.

8. Slows Down the Carbohydrate Absorption

The high fibre content in the Matta rice slows down carbohydrate absorption, which helps enhance its anti-diabetic properties. In addition, this slow absorption of carbs helps control the blood sugar rush associated with low-fibre and high-sugar meals.

9. Reduces Elevated Blood Pressure

Matta Rice Helps In Regulating Blood Pressure

With its high fiber content and low glycemic index, red Matta rice can indirectly help you reduce your blood pressure! One of the reasons for hypertension is the tendency to eat too much. Matta rice helps you stay fit by giving you a sense of early fullness, so you can manage and to an extent even control your hypertension!

Did You Know

Matta rice is commonly used in the preparation of traditional South Indian dishes such as dosa, idli, and appam.

10. Boosts Energy Levels

Matta rice is a rich source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady supply of energy to the body. It is also packed with vitamins and minerals that help maintain optimal energy levels throughout the day. According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology, Matta rice has higher levels of thiamine and niacin, which are essential for converting food into energy.

11. Strengthens Immune System

Matta rice is rich in antioxidants, which help boost the body’s immune system by fighting off harmful free radicals. The antioxidants present in Matta rice help prevent cellular damage and reduce inflammation, thus strengthening the immune system.

Matta Rice – Nutritional Profile

SERVING SIZE3.6 OZ (100g)
Calories353.4
Calories from Fat6.4
% Daily Value*
Total Fat0.7g
Saturated Fat0g
Trans Fat0g
Polyunsaturated Fat0g
Monounsaturated Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium15mg
Total Carbohydrates78.5g
Dietary Fiber2.5g
Sugars0.7g
Protein7.1g
% Daily Value*
Vitamin A0%
Vitamin C0%
Calcium0%
Iron0%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. source

Matta Rice – Source Of Calories

One of the famous and nutrient-rich rice varieties from Kerala, India, is the Matta rice. Improved heart health and reduced blood pressure levels are some of the benefits of Matta rice, which are attributed to the vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and dietary fibre. In addition, this rice can also reduce the risk of Osteoporosis since it is a good source of calcium. Therefore, go through the benefits of Matta rice before adding it to your diet. Also, don’t forget to let us know if you found the article helpful!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on pure research and not a replacement for professional advice. It is always better to consult a doctor or dietician before you add anything to your diet. The website is not responsible for the authenticity and accuracy of the information.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is Matta rice better than white rice?
    Yes! Many consider Matta rice to be better than white rice. Compared to white rice, Matta rice is a rich dietary fibre and protein source.
  2. Is Matta rice better than brown rice?
    No! The nutritional profile of Matta rice and Brown rice is similar. However, brown rice’s mineral, dietary fibre and protein content are slightly higher than the Matta rice.
  3. Is it easy to digest Matta rice?
    Proper digestion and the body’s absorption of nutrients are better with Matta rice. This is because it is a rich source of fibre; whether it eases bowel movement or lubrication, the bowels aid in the easy excretion of waste.
  4. Is Matta rice gluten-free?
    Yes. All varieties of rice are naturally gluten-free, hypoallergenic, and contain high amounts of digestible carbohydrates that are good for gluten-sensitive individuals (5).

Key Takeaways

  • Matta rice is a healthier alternative to white rice and is packed with nutrition.
  • It is a whole grain that contains essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
  • Matta rice has a low glycemic index, which makes it an excellent option for people with diabetes.
  • It can help in weight management by promoting satiety and reducing hunger pangs.
  • The high fiber content in Matta rice can help prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements.