Rice Water Recipe, Uses And Health Benefits

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 21:10

Rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, rice has many benefits for the body. But as for the water left after cooking, it turns out to be a real ally for health. What is more, it is an excellent beauty asset to be appropriated urgently so as not to have to envy the sublime hair of Japanese girls. Packed with vitamins, iron, potassium, magnesium and zinc, the rice cooking water is not to be thrown away. It helps restore better digestion, revitalized hair and visibly healthier skin. We will explain everything to you !

Rice water or another Asian secret with many virtues to discover

The water for cooking rice is one of the oldest beauty assets and prized by Japanese women. And thanks to social networks, it is back in force to the delight of beautistas. Shiny hair, healthy skin preserved from aging, zero bloating and improved digestion, there are many reasons for not getting rid of this precious water. But before deciphering each of its benefits, how exactly do you recover rice water?

How to cook rice and recover its cooking water?

According to Asian cooks, rice should be washed several times with the same water before cooking. And it is indeed this water that we must recover to carry out the care afterwards. For an even more pronounced result, you can also recover the cooking water which is indeed even more loaded with vitamins and minerals. So put half a cup of rice in a bowl then pour in two cups of water and let it soak for about 30 minutes. At the end of this time, filter the water into a separate bowl. If you want to recover the cooking water from the rice, cook the same amount of rice, adding more water.

The art of cooking rice is accessible to everyone, even those who only know the microwave! And even if you end up having a pot full of failed rice, you can still enjoy its cooking water. Be careful, however, because this water can be stored for a maximum of 6 days in the refrigerator. Regarding the choice of rice, please choose organic rice to avoid water containing pesticide residues. Pour this water into a bottle and use immediately.

How to consume it?

An effective anti-aging food, rice allows the body to stay well hydrated and regain its vitality, unlike energy drinks sold on the market. Simply taking a glass of rice water on an empty stomach each morning, before going to the office, is undoubtedly one of the best health actions to adopt to stay in shape throughout the day. This water is extremely useful in case of physical weakness or simply when you lack energy.

What effect on breastfeeding women?

Apart from its energizing effect, rice water is also known to be able to stimulate the production of breast milk. To boost the natural production of milk, young mothers should drink several glasses a day. When it comes to choosing a rice drink, some people find that fermented rice water is more effective and beneficial than the plain version.

Plain or fermented water?

In fact, specialists claim that fermented substances contain more antioxidants which, in turn, heal damage to hair and skin cells. That is why they are an integral part of the composition of beauty products. To make fermented rice water for yourself, let the cooking water sit at room temperature for at least two days, before straining it into a clean container.

Rice water for optimal intestinal comfort

As you probably know, rice cooking water is a great natural remedy for bowel problems. With its fiber intake, it promotes good digestion, while protecting the intestinal flora. By having a small drink, you also avoid allied bloating. Rice water against diarrhea? Yes ! Its effectiveness is particularly important in children and infants. It also has a very favorable effect on the dehydration which one suffers in case of intestinal irritation. Boil half a cup of rice, covered (to limit evaporation) for 30 minutes, garnish with a spoon of honey before tasting.

With its high fiber content, the water in question has the potential to regulate the digestive system and all intestinal functions. It is therefore also a superb natural remedy to treat constipation in children as well as in adults. The starch present there ensures the regularity of the stool by boosting the development of good bacteria in the intestine. This magic water also helps fight viral infections by filling in the loss of nutrients. In times of flu, its regular consumption is therefore essential.

For face and body

Rice water and facial skin, what do they have in common? Being particularly rich in antioxidants and inositol (molecule responsible for the regeneration of cells), rice water is even more precious for skin health. Known in the days of kings for its ability to conceal small imperfections, to mattify the face and especially to protect the skin from the sun (thanks to its starch content), rice powder is a beauty gesture of the oldest who always remains topical.

In addition to regenerating skin cells, it has astringent effects, tightening the pores and moisturizing the skin. To add it to your beauty routine, apply it on a wipe or cotton ball and carefully pass it over your face, while massaging it. By adopting this gesture every day, you will enjoy softer, firmer and visibly more radiant skin. No need to deprive the skin of your body of the magical virtues of Asian skincare. To fully enjoy it, pour some of this water in your bath.

As a lotion or a face mask, on the face or on the body, this old beauty tip guarantees to bring radiance and softness to each type of skin.

Rice water for hair

As already mentioned, rinsing your hair with the rice cooking water is a beauty gesture known since the dawn of time. Although its benefits on hair and skin are not 100% proven, many beautistas claim that the water left over after cooking the rice makes the hair smooth, shiny and strong. It promotes their growth, disentangles them and is a superb anti-dandruff treatment. What is certain is that there are no side effects observed so far. How to incorporate it into your own beauty routine to enjoy a healthy mane?

As a mask for the hair, the water from the rice box, and in particular the starch present therein, tames the hair fibers. For a smooth effect as if you had had recourse to a silicone-based treatment, it is enough only to keep it for a few minutes on the lengths and to rinse it. As a conditioner, this water tends to strengthen and shine the mane. You only need to rub your wet hair with this solution to close the scales and boost hair shine. A highly recommended beauty tip for rebellious and difficult-to-style hair.

Note: before choosing to rinse the rice with the cooking water, choose organic rice. The homemade hair mask that you will get will be less heavy but just as vitamin and beneficial for your hair.

Rice cooking water in gardening

Just like pasta, rice contains a high dose of starch which, in addition to making the hair shine, protects the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. But outside the realm of beauty, starch is a real magic potion to use in the garden. Its effectiveness against plants growing between slabs and in your paths makes it an excellent natural weedkiller. All you need to do is let the rice cooking water cool before using it. It is also suitable for cleaning stubborn stains on stainless steel cookware, hobs and sinks. Put it in a spray bottle and spray the affected area. Leave on for a few minutes and rub.