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The essentials to know about rice water

Health
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By Katelynn Langosh

October 21, 2020

Rice water has been a star on the internet for some time now, and for good reason! Rice water looks like a milky liquid, mainly because of the starch residue left behind by the rice. In addition, it is rich in minerals and vitamins and is a healthy drink. However, why is it so popular, why adopt it and most importantly, how to make it? Here are the answers!

Why use rice water?

If you don’t understand why rice water is so famous these days, here are some reasons for it!

It helps prevent skin problems

Rice water is known to repel skin irritations caused by sodium lauryl sulfate found in detergents, shampoos and cleaning solutions. Rinsing your face with cold rice water twice a day works wonders on the skin. It also acts as a fantastic toner to cleanse and tighten your skin pores and an anti-aging product.

It is good for the hair

Rich in vitamins A, C, D and E, rice water restores lost shine on your hair and promotes hair growth. A 2010 study indicates that frequent use of rice water on the hair increases hair elasticity and reduces surface friction. In addition, it smooths dry hair and increases its shine. Apply rice water to your hair and take a break for over an hour, then rinse it with mild shampoo and conditioner. It’s your hair spa!

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It restores energy

The carbohydrate content in rice water goes a long way in boosting a person’s energy. The human body easily absorbs the content in the water, converting it into energy. Now you have an alternative to replace your soft drinks the next time you need something to boost your energy. Just go to the kitchen and pour yourself a drink! Also, rice water can replace some plant milks in smoothies.

Rice water relaxes your body

Add a little rice water to your bath. It relaxes your body from tension and fatigue, which calms your mind. It leaves your skin refreshed and rejuvenated. It can also be added to the bath water of babies over five months old to prevent skin problems and also so that they can fully relax after a particularly stressful day.

How to get rice water?

To enjoy these wonderful benefits of rice water, simply collect the water you use to rinse your rice. Also, if you don’t want to cook the rice, just grind the rest of the rice to make a scrub or a face mask. To prepare rice water you will need:

  • 1/2 cup uncooked rice (brown, white, basmati, long grain, short grain, jasmine, or whatever you have)
  • 2 to 3 cups of water

To make rice water, you must first rinse the rice with about a cup of water to remove any dirt or impurity. Then put the rice in a bowl and cover it with water. Let the rice soak for 15 to 30 minutes.

Swirl it or knead it lightly until the water turns cloudy. This will help the vitamins and minerals to seep into the water, creating a nourishing rinse for your hair and skin.

Now filter the rice water into a clean bowl. Your rice water is ready to use. It is a quick method for making rice water.

  • You can use this water for your hair or face, or let it ferment for additional benefits.

Making fermented rice water

Once you’ve collected your rice water, leave it at room temperature for a day or until it becomes slightly acidic, implying that it has started to ferment. It can take between 24 and 48 hours, depending on the temperature. The higher the ambient temperature, the faster the fermentation process.

To reduce the fermentation time, leave the rice in the water and filter it after it has fermented. (Leave it covered for 12-24 hours). Some traditional recipes suggest boiling fermented rice water, others do not. Everyone’s hair is different, try both methods to see what works for you.

  • Fermented rice water is quite potent, so you may need to dilute it with a cup or two of hot water before using. Adjust according to your hair needs, use more for dry hair and less for oily hair.

Preparation of rice water by boiling

You can also boil the rice to extract the water. To do this, boil the rice using more water than you normally would. Once the rice begins to boil, remove the excess water and use it. You can also let the rice cook completely, strain it and use the excess water.

  • This rice water will be concentrated, so be sure to dilute it with plain water until it is slightly cloudy.

You can store rice water in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake it well before using it.

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