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When you cook rice, do you usually discard the water right away? If so, consider changing that habit, as rice water offers numerous benefits, especially for your health. Historically, rice water has been used in traditional Japanese treatments to strengthen and beautify hair, and its benefits have extended to skin care as well. However, one of the most remarkable uses of rice water is its effectiveness in treating diarrhea. Here’s why rice water is so beneficial.
Health Benefits of Rice Water
Rice Water Lightens the Skin
Rice water is frequently recommended for treating dark skin patches. It has become a common ingredient in beauty products like soaps, toners, and lotions, specifically for its skin-lightening properties.
Rice Water Soothes Skin Irritation
Rice water can help alleviate skin irritation caused by sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), a common ingredient in many beauty products. Using rice water twice daily may help reduce dryness and irritation.
Rice Water as a Natural Sunscreen
According to a 2013 study, fermented rice water can improve skin damaged by the sun by boosting collagen production, leading to smoother, wrinkle-free skin. This makes rice water an effective natural sunscreen.
Rice Water Improves Hair Quality
For centuries, Japanese women have used rice water as a solution for achieving stronger, more beautiful hair.
Rice Water for Digestive Issues
Some recommend drinking rice water to alleviate digestive problems, including diarrhea. However, it’s important to be cautious of the potential risks of arsenic in rice water, which can lead to serious health issues such as cancer, type-2 diabetes, and hypertension.
Rice Water for Dermatological Issues
Rice water is also beneficial for treating skin conditions like eczema. In addition to clearing up skin blemishes, applying rice water topically can soothe the skin.
Rice Water and Vision Health
It is commonly believed that consuming rice, including its water, can help with vision problems such as macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness in older adults.
Protection from Sun Damage
Rice water contains compounds that have been proven to protect the skin from sun damage, functioning similarly to sunscreen.
Rice Water’s Versatility
Rice water is a versatile ingredient found in various self-care products, including shampoo, facial cleansers, toners, body wash, body scrubs, and sunscreen.
How to Use Rice Water for Diarrhea Treatment
Materials
- Brown rice
- Cheesecloth
- Saucepan
Steps
- Measure half a cup of brown rice into a large saucepan.
- Add water at a ratio of 6:1 (water to rice).
- Boil the rice over medium heat.
- Cook the rice water on low heat for approximately 45 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Strain the rice water using a dense material like cheesecloth.
- Store the rice water in the refrigerator until ready to drink.
In conclusion, rice water is a simple yet effective remedy that can easily be made at home. The next time you cook rice, consider saving the water for its numerous health benefits.
