Welcome to the third part of the Superhuman Food Pyramid series. Various types of grains and legumes or non-vegetable sources of carbohydrates will be explored. Today’s article will focus on the health benefits and practical uses of wild rice.

While it is distantly related to the staple food consumed in Asia and Africa, wild rice is actually classified as grass that happen to produce edible grains. Three of the four known species are native to North America and has long been harvested by the region’s indigenous peoples. The fourth is native to China where it is now more common to consume the stem as a vegetable instead of the grain.

Wild rice is semi-aquatic and grows in the shallows of lakes and slow rivers. The seeds germinate in the mud under water and then the stalks eventually rise above the surface. The traditional way of harvesting wild rice involved carefully navigating wetlands with a canoe and using sticks or “knockers” to thresh the grains into the boat. Now cultivation in paddy fields is more common.

Among other whole grains, wild rice is considered to be exceptionally nutritious. Keep reading to find out the benefits of wild rice and how it can help you Become Superhuman (and be sure to also check out recommended soak times for beans, grains, legumes, nuts and rice). Continue reading →