The Palakkadan Matta Rice also known as Rosematta Rice is one of the most famous rice varieties from Kerala that has been awarded a GI (Geographical Indication) tag. Mattan rice thrives in the Palakkad region’s black cotton soil and humid climate. While rice is well-known for its distinct flavour and texture, it is also highly valued for its health benefits.
The par-boiling of rice ensures that the nutritional values are retained more effectively than other forms of rice. This fluffy rice, with its rose-coloured hue and distinct texture (you can easily separate one morsel from the other), is clearly an acquired taste. It goes well with meat dishes and is an essential part of a traditional Kerala Sadya or vegetarian festive meal.
Here are some of the well-known benefits of Palakkadan Matta Rice:
Nutrient-Rich
Aside from its natural flavour, the presence of red pericarp in this rice is well-known for its nutritional value. The healthy outer covering of a rice grain is known as the pericarp. When polished rice varieties are ground out to appear shiny and clean, they lose this valuable layer. This nutritional outer covering is retained by Kerala red rice or Matta rice. As a result, eating Matta rice can help meet the body’s nutritional needs.
Best Source of Magnesium
Matta rice is high in magnesium as well. Magnesium is a critical macromineral that is required for good health daily. It is involved in several enzymatic reactions in your body, and a lack of it can result in a variety of health problems.
Half a cup of Matta rice contains nearly 42 g of magnesium. Magnesium is essential for good health for a variety of reasons, including assisting in nerve signal transmission and preventing heart disease and osteoporosis.
Decrease Risk of Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is one of the most common long-term diseases afflicting many people, including children. Because of morbidity, uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes can have a negative impact on one’s quality of life. However, matta rice effectively treats this by preventing the development of insulin resistance and enhancing optimal glucose uptake.
Meets Your Daily Fiber Requirement
Matta rice fulfills your daily fibre requirement, which aids digestion. Because it is high in fibre, it aids in the proper functioning of our digestive system.
Calcium-Rich
Matta rice has a much higher calcium content than white rice. During the polishing process, white rice loses the majority of its essential nutrients. Calcium is regarded as an essential nutritive element at all stages of life. A calcium-rich diet is essential for childhood growth, muscle function, bone health, and strong teeth. Palakkadan matta rice, also known as Kerala red rice, aids in the daily calcium requirement and protects against burdensome diseases such as osteoporosis and weakened bones.
Lowers High Blood Pressure
Red Matta rice, with its high fibre content and low glycemic index, can help you reduce your blood pressure indirectly. One of the causes of hypertension is a proclivity to overeat. Matta rice helps you stay fit by providing a sense of early fullness, allowing you to manage and, to some extent, control your hypertension!
Source of Vitamins A & B
Matta rice also provides additional vitamins and minerals to your diet. Its nutrient-dense coat is high in Vitamin A and some forms of Vitamin B. These are critical for maintaining many of your body’s systems and living a healthy lifestyle.
Not Just Carbs
Par-boiling this rice helps to retain the nutrition, so you can rest easy knowing that your last meal was more than just carbs. Choose unpolished Matta rice to take advantage of the incredible benefits hidden in the outer coating of these rice grains.
Slows Absorption of Carbohydrates.
The high fibre content boosts its anti-diabetic properties by slowing carbohydrate absorption. This helps to control the blood sugar spike that usually follows a high-sugar, low-fibre meal.
Considering all of these advantages, one can conclude that Matta rice not only complements food flavours but also provides a number of health benefits.