During the Indian Mutiny, in certain besieged towns, the Europeans ate
the rice and the natives drank the rice water. The latter had the best
of the bargain for the rice water contained the bulk of the organic
mineral salts. The former consisted mainly of starch.
The starch granules of rice are the smallest of any of the starchy
foods, and the rice berry contains less mineral salts than any other
grain. For this reason a diet of rice has been strongly recommended in
cases of Bright’s disease. The unpolished rice should always be used.
The use of the polished variety is now known to produce the Indian
disease called “Beri-Beri.”
Rice Water.
Take 1 oz. best unpolished rice, a stick of cinnamon, 1 tablespoonful
of seeded raisins (if no bowel trouble is present); wash the rice well
in cold water, add the raisins and cinnamon, steep in 2 pints of water,
keep just warm 2 to 3 hours. Then boil slowly for 1 hour and carefully
strain. Season to taste or add cream.
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