Matta Rice – A Brief:
Matta Rice, also known as Rosematta rice, Palakkadan Matta rice, Kerala Red rice or Red Parboiled rice, is locally sourced from the Palakkad region of Kerala, India. Used in a wide variety of foods, Matta rice can be had as plain rice, or be used to make idlis, appams and snacks like murukku and kondattam. Grown in the dense black cotton soil in parts of Kerala and Karnataka, these yellowish red grains of rice possess their own unique flavour and taste. Not just that, it possesses a fine earthy flavour that makes it a great accompaniment to lamb, beef and other game meats. What’s more, we give you ten health benefits to truly convince you to include Matta rice in your next meal!
Top Matta Rice Benefits
Check out here some of the best matta rice health benefits.
1. Nutrient Rich
Other than its unique taste, the red pericarp of this rice variety has a high content of nutrients. Pericarp is the healthy outer coat of the rice grain. More often than not, polished rice varieties tend to lose this valuable layer when they are ground out to appear shiny and clean. Matta rice or Kerala red rice, however, retains this outer coat for all its natural goodness. With increased quantities of minerals, vitamins, fibre and more, Matta rice goes for gold with its contribution to a healthier diet.
2. Gluten-Free
The gluten-free nature of Matta rice promotes gut health. Par-boiling this rice further aids in retaining the nutrition, so you can rest easy knowing that your last meal was not just full of carbohydrates. Opt to take the unpolished variant of Matta rice, so that you don’t miss out on the incredible benefits hidden in the outer coating of these rice grains.
3. Best 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!
4. Reduces Risk Of Certain Diseases
Consuming whole Matta rice grains can significantly lower your risk of heart disease and certain cancers (1) . Due to the lower content of fat, saturated fat and cholesterol, Matta rice is heart friendly, keeping those important blood vessels clear of clogs and clots.
5. Decrease Risk Of Diabetes
One of the best matta rice benefits includes managing Type 2 Diabetes effectively (2). Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent chronic illnesses today, affecting vast populations across the world, including children. Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes can cause debilitating morbidity in nearly every body organ system, affecting and impairing the quality of life. Whole grain Matta rice has been shown to reduce the risk and incidence of this dreaded disease in its consumers. Due to its high magnesium and calcium content, especially in its pericarp, Matta rice protects from developing insulin resistance, and enhances optimum glucose uptake, ensuring that you stay healthy and free from disease.
6. Meets Your Daily Fiber Requirement
Most useful in the midst of today’s age of fast food mania and refined foods, Matta rice meets your daily fiber requirement to help your digestion. Rich in fiber, it keeps your digestive system running smoothly (3). Rich in fiber, Matta rice will help you process it! Not just that, its high fiber content will leave you feeling fuller even when you eat less. This means that you’re eating just the right amount of your daily calorie intake. Just what you were looking for to help you lose weight!
7. Slows Absorption Of Carbohydrates
The high fiber content also enhances its anti-diabetic properties, by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates. This helps control the blood sugar rush that usually accompanies a high-sugar, low-fiber meal.
8. Source Of Vitamins A And B
Besides magnesium, Matta rice also adds other vitamins and minerals to your diet. Its nutrient-rich coat contains generous amounts of Vitamin A, and some forms of Vitamin B. These are extremely important for maintaining many systems of your body and living healthy.
9. Reduces Elevated 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!
10. Great Source Of Calcium
The higher content of calcium in this rice also makes it healthier than the conventional white rice that most people favor. This white rice has usually lost most of its essential nutrition during the polishing process. Calcium is essential in all ages and stages of life. From playing a vital role in growth during childhood to being a crucial component in muscle health and function, calcium also keeps your bones and teeth strong and healthy. Especially crucial for women post-menopause, Matta rice complements your diet with a good dose of calcium, protecting you from painful and cumbersome diseases such as Osteoporosis and weakened bones (5). Is Matta rice better than white rice? Yes. Matta rice is a richer source of protein and dietary fiber than white rice (3), (6). Is Matta rice better than brown rice? No. While both rice varieties have a similar nutritional profile, brown rice has a slightly higher protein, dietary fiber, and mineral content (7). 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 (8). Now that you know all the benefits of Matta rice, stay stress-free knowing that every meal you make, you can look forward to not only enjoying its unique and colorful flavors, but also staying fit and healthy with each bite!
