In India, in many households as well as in hotels, rice is prepared by boiling water, adding rice, and then throwing away that extra water.
This extra water which is drained and thrown away is packed with health-benefiting nutrients. It is also extremely beneficial for women who are facing issues like white discharge and UTI.
How to prepare rice water or Tandulodaka?
Rice water and its benefits have been mentioned in Ayurveda indicating that it has been used for ages in India. Now the same rice water also called Tandulodaka is being embraced by everyone across the globe. This thick fluid obtained after washing or draining boiling rice while cooking is rich in starch and various beneficial antioxidants.
To prepare rice water take 1 bowl or 10 grams of rice and wash them once. Now add around 80 ml of water and keep it closed for 4 to 6 hours. Macerate the rice for a few minutes and strain. Your rice water is ready for use. You can sip it throughout the day and also can store it for 6 to 8 hours. But it is always advisable to prepare a fresh batch of rice water every day.
You can use any type of rice including broken rice or white rice, but red rice is considered the best. It is better to use unpolished, uncooked, or raw rice and it should not be de-husked or steamed.
Benefits of rice water
It is rich in vitamins and minerals and offers astonishing results in improving skin texture. A compound called inositol is present in rice water that delays aging, stimulates the flow of the blood, and promotes the growth of cells.
Since it is rich in antioxidants rice water has the capacity to absorb UV rays and keep the skin moisturised thereby preventing age spots and pigmentation. It also tightens the skin's pores.
It is extremely beneficial in white discharge or leucorrhoea which is common in women going through menopause. Rice water has cooling properties and hence works wonders in treating bleeding disorders, burning urination, heavy periods, and diarrhoea. It helps in reducing the burning sensation in the soles and palms.
It can be used effectively for washing hair and face and keeping them soft and beautiful. It is a natural energy drink and on days when you are feeling low, it can serve as an energy booster.
However, people who are suffering from cough and cold should avoid it.