RICE MILK RECIPE, BENEFITS AND USES

Are you lactose intolerant, vegan or gluten sensitive? Well, if you come under all or even one of these categories then try rice milk!

Rice milk is usually made from white rice (some do use brown rice) and is the least allergenic of the nondairy milks. It is as good as cow’s milk substitute for those with lactose intolerance and it is also gluten free and vegan. Rice milk can be consumed as a substitute for cow’s milk.

Just like everything else rice milk consumption also has pros and cons. Let’s look into it:

Pros:

Rice milk is a good alternative to cow’s milk and is rich in nutrients as well.
Rice milk is low on fat compared to the other milk alternatives and is more or less cholesterol free and therefore can be helpful for those looking to control their diet or lose weight.
Rice milk is rich in B vitamins, those which play a vital role in body metabolism and metabolic functioning, blood circulation and nerve functioning.
Rice milk can be beneficial to maintain and protect heart health as it can help lower cholesterol levels and contains magnesium that can lower blood pressure.
Rice milk is rich in antioxidants which can fight free radical damage (which can damage the body’s healthy cells) and can therefore protect the body and prevent it from succumbing to diseases. It can also play an important role in boosting one’s immunity.

Cons:

Rice milk has similar number of calories like cow’s milk, but is rich in carbohydrates (around three times higher than the other cow’s milk substitutes), but has lesser protein and fat.
Rice milk is absorbed quickly in the gut, which can rapidly raise blood sugar levels. So people with diabetes have to take into consideration before consuming rice milk on a regular basis.
Rice milk is low in protein and therefore is not the best substitute for growing children, people into heavy sport and exercise and elderly people.
Rice milk is low in calcium, which is an essential mineral for the body. In order to strengthen and maintain healthy and strong bones and promote better bone health. READ MORE – ALOE TURMERIC – clear, glowing and healthy skin

Here’s how you can make rice milk at home in two ways:

Method 1: With uncooked rice

Ingredients:

¾ cup uncooked white rice
(Preferably long grain)
4 cups water

Method:

Step 1: Soak the rice:

Take two bowls, with 2 cups of hot water in each and soak in the washed rice (half the quantity in each) for around 2 to 2.5 hours. (At the end of 2 hours, the rice should be soft enough to snap with your nail).

Step 2: Blending:

Into a mixer blender, add in the strained rice (do not throw out the water, just set aside) and blend on high speed for a few moments until it becomes a fine paste. Then add in the rice water (you can decrease the water if you prefer a thicker consistency).

Step 3: Extraction:

Then place a muslin cloth or a very fine mesh strainer pour over and strain this rice milk mixture. You may have to double strain it, in case you still find a few sediments. The rice milk is then ready to be consumed.

Step 4: Storage:

Transfer the rice milk into a storage bottle (glass, preferably) and keep it stored in the fridge for until it is used. It can be stored for around 4 to 5 days.

Tip: If you wish to sweeten your rice milk, when blending the rice (in Step 1), before adding in the water, add in 2 to 4 pitted dates, honey or maple syrup as per your taste requirements.

Method 2: With cooked rice

This method will require you to use cooked white rice, quantity of your choice. Then, add in the cooked rice into the blender and blend until it becomes a fine paste. Slowly keep adding in plain water, as per your liquid consistency requirements.