{"id":59216,"date":"2026-10-11T12:00:26","date_gmt":"2026-10-11T06:30:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.justfit.lk\/?p=59216"},"modified":"2026-10-06T12:55:03","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T07:25:03","slug":"the-polyphenol-and-heirloom-rice-surge-why-sri-lankas-native-grains-are-taking-over-modern-diets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.justfit.lk\/ta\/the-polyphenol-and-heirloom-rice-surge-why-sri-lankas-native-grains-are-taking-over-modern-diets\/","title":{"rendered":"The Polyphenol and Heirloom Rice Surge: Why Sri Lanka’s Native Grains Are Taking Over Modern Diets"},"content":{"rendered":"

White rice has been the main feature of the Sri Lankan menu for many years. Soft, easy to prepare and loved by all. However, a gentle shift has been taking place today. There is a renewed interest in the old varieties of rice consumed by the grandparents.<\/span><\/p>\n

Words such as Suwandel, Kalu Heenati and Kurulutuda can be found in health food stores, in homes, and in meal plans. This is not simply a fashion. It is linked to a global trend in gut health, slow energy foods and plant compounds known as <\/span>polyphenols<\/a><\/strong>.<\/strong> Let us look at why.<\/span><\/p>\n

But what are heirloom rice varieties?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Heirloom rice is rice that has been cultivated traditionally by farmers for generations. The varieties of rice still cultivated are older than those of modern high-yield varieties. They were frequently selected for their flavor, resistance to local climates and their nutritional value.<\/span><\/p>\n

Such rice has a rich history in Sri Lanka. The majority of traditional varieties are red or reddish-brown and many are sold with the outer layer still on the grain. This outer layer is rich in fiber and many natural components in the plant.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Are Polyphenols?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds in plants. They provide colour to many fruits, vegetables and grains. They are available in berries, tea, cocoa, and some colored rice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Studies are looking at polyphenols as antioxidants. Simply put, they can aid in safeguarding body cells from damage. Other research indicates that they could be beneficial for gut and heart health.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPolishing\u201d involves removing a majority of the outer layer of the rice grain in the process of making white rice. This also excludes a large amount of fibre and plant compounds. Traditional varieties of rice are not so polished and tend to retain more of them.<\/p>\n

\"The
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Why Gut-Friendly Eating Is Popular<\/b><\/h2>\n

The gut contains trillions of little living organisms. They can be referred to as the <\/span>gut microbiome<\/a><\/strong> together. They aid in digestion and can also influence your mood and immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n

The favorites of these beneficial bacteria are the fiber types in food. A healthy gut is a hallmark of high fiber. <\/span>Whole grains<\/a><\/strong> and less polished grains have more fibre than white rice.<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s one of the main reasons why heirloom rice is being talked about. It fits in nicely with the worldwide trend of foods that are good for the gut!<\/span><\/p>\n

Meet the Local Grains<\/b><\/h2>\n

Let’s take a brief glance at three popular varieties:<\/span><\/p>\n

A fragrant and tasty rice variety from the country of Suwandel. It has long been recognized as a nutritious food in Sri Lanka.<\/span><\/p>\n