Black rice is that rare trifecta of delicious, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing. This dark-colored rice, which is a deep purple-black, has alternate names including purple rice, forbidden rice, and emperor's rice. It has a rich, complex flavor, with a distinct nuttiness and a hint of sweetness from the anthocyanin pigments. Along with protective anthocyanins, black rice contains high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids known for their role in supporting eye health. These antioxidants help to protect the cells in your eyes and to reduce the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Black rice is rich in amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidants, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and other phenolic compounds. There are 18 amino acids in black rice, with a mix of essential and non-essential types. Amino acids are crucial to many of your body's functions, from helping repair skin and tissues to improving your energy levels and digestion. Compared to brown and white rice, black rice has more protein. "This makes black rice a better choice if you want to build muscles" One serving of black rice also provides 6% of your daily requirements of iron, a mineral we need to keep our blood strong and supply oxygen to our cells. A lack of iron can lead to anemia, a common problem among women, young children and older adults.