Olio talks rice*

OLIO TALKS OLIOTALKS SEPTEMBER 13TH 2014

Beauty Wisdom from the Orient - Part 2

Rice

By Eileen & Alice

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Rice is probably the most common and widely consumed food source among a large part of the world’s population – especially in Asian countries. It is a nutrients-packed cereal grain, grown mostly in China; however over the years, rice cultivation has gained popularity in other parts of the world due to its steady demands as well as versatility in its growing environment.

Considered to be a “staple food” among households all across Asia, rice is usually consumed as an “accompaniment”, in various culinary preferences – plain steamed rice, congee or porridge, noodles etc - to other vegetable and meat dishes.

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OLIOTALKS SEPTEMBER 13TH 2014

OLIO TALKS Beauty Wisdom from the Orient - Part 2

CLAIM TO FAME

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For centuries, rice has held high marks in Asian beauty rituals. The most famous claim traces back to ancient Japan, where rice – or more specifically, rice bran – was one of the most beloved beauty ingredients by geishas, known for their flawless, porcelain complexion. As part of their beauty ritual, they would use the milky water left over from rinsing rice on their skin and hair.

Another less known, but timetested nonetheless, beauty claim of rice was evidenced on the soft and youthful hands of aged sake brewers. As we all know, sake is Japanese rice wine. It is believed that a substance found in the fermentation liquid that the brewers’ hands were in constant contact with during the fermentation process provided a clue to this phenomenon.

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OLIO TALKS HEALTH BENEFITS Rice contains a wide range of beneficial nutrients such as different types of as well as a variety of minerals that are essential for our bodies.

It is gluten-free, which makes it a viable option for people who suffer from gluten-related allergies. Moreover, it helps keep your cholesterol levels in check.

Rice is a rich source of carbohydrates, which is vital for fueling our bodies; but the level of fat, salt, and sugar found in rice is surprisingly low, hence causing less concerns in weight maintenance.

• vitamin B, • vitamin D, • calcium, • fiber, • iron • gluten-free

OLIOTALKS SEPTEMBER 13TH 2014

Beauty Wisdom from the Orient - Part 2

Colors Different strain or color of rice offers different levels of nutritional benefits. For example : ★ Purple rice - high level of antioxidants which helps counter act the damaging effects of free radicals in our body. ★ Red rice, like brown rice - an excellent source of fiber and iron

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SKIN BENEFITS When used topically, this grain ingredient offers numerous benefits to the skin. This is ✤ soften skin achieved through application of its derivatives – rice bran ✤ prevent wrinkles oil, rice bran powder or rice ✤ reduce appearance of pores flour, and rice water. ✤ skin brightening

OLIOTALKS SEPTEMBER 13TH 2014

OLIO TALKS Beauty Wisdom from the Orient - Part 2

RICE BRAN OIL Rice bran oil contains an antioxidant called squalene – found also in shark liver oil – that enhances collagen production in the skin, thus preventing it from wrinkles. It delivers great moisturizing properties with its high amounts of vitamin E. Last but not least, rice bran oil is believed to offer some small level of UV protection, though not yet scientifically-proven. It’s generally used in facial oil formulations.

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RICE BRAN POWDER &

RICE FLOUR

Rice bran powder and rice flour are both wonderful exfoliants for the skin, though rice flour is more suitable for sensitive skin type as it is much gentler due to the finer grain texture. With gentle scrubbing motion, these powders will remove dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin, hence leaving skin soft and glowy.

OLIOTALKS SEPTEMBER 13TH 2014

Beauty Wisdom from the Orient - Part 2

Rice flour is also a popular ingredient used in homemade skin brightening face mask recipes.

RICE WATER Rice water has been shown to be an effective skin-softening and brightening agent, with properties that help heal acne and calm redness. It often acts as an astringent on the skin thus making it an excellent toner.

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Please Share…

For thousands of years, rice has played a tremendous role in maintaining the well-being of the majority of the world’s population in a more than respectable manner. Along with its long list of nutritional benefits comes a ridiculously economic value – how can we go wrong?

We hope you enjoy this week’s edition of our Beauty Wisdom series. If you like our content so far, please support us by sharing our page with your friends. As always, we welcome suggestions and feedback. Additional information on this topic will be posted throughout the week on our Olio Talks group page on facebook, so stay tuned…

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OLIOTALKS SEPTEMBER 13TH 2014

OLIOBeauty TALKS Wisdom from the Orient - Part 2

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Disclaimer

As with all food-related ingredients, people with allergies in a specific food group should use discretionary caution before using said ingredient either internally or externally. The content of this article is for information purposes only, and does not promote any suggestion of cure to any diseases.

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