Will eating fermented sticky rice increase your blood alcohol level?

According to Dr. Nguyen Trong Hung from the National Institute of Nutrition, fermented glutinous rice contains a low amount of alcohol because rice wine is only fermented for 3 days, while spirits are fermented for 7-10 days. The longer the fermentation time, the greater the amount of sugar converted into alcohol.

People who eat too much fermented sticky rice or eat it on an empty stomach may get drunk. Eating too much fermented sticky rice can also lead to an excessive blood alcohol level when driving, as a blood alcohol level above 0 is a traffic violation. Therefore, if you eat only 1/3 of a bowl of fermented sticky rice, you should wait a few hours before driving.

What are the benefits of fermented sticky rice?

Fermented rice is a traditional dish for the Dragon Boat Festival (the 5th day of the 5th lunar month) in Vietnam. Recent research shows that fermented glutinous rice can prevent many diseases, including cancer.

Fermented sticky rice helps prevent cardiovascular disease.

Scientists have studied patients with allergies to blood pressure-lowering medications. They found that black sticky rice can lower levels of harmful cholesterol in the blood.

The research team studied two groups of patients. One group took blood pressure medication, while the other ate fermented black glutinous rice. Both participated in a treatment program involving lifestyle changes. The study showed that after 12 weeks and after 24 weeks, cholesterol levels (including harmful cholesterol and total cholesterol) decreased significantly in the group that ate fermented black glutinous rice.

Cancer prevention

A research team from Louisiana State University (USA) analyzed bran samples taken from black glutinous rice grown in the southern part of the country. They discovered that it contains very high levels of the antioxidant anthocyanin – a substance with the potential to fight cancer, cardiovascular disease, and many other illnesses. Anthocyanin gives many fruits and vegetables such as blueberries and peppers their deep black color.

Researchers suggest that the black antioxidants help protect blood vessels and prevent DNA damage – a factor leading to cancer. According to UPI, black glutinous rice is dark black in color, turning a deep purple when cooked. It contains many minerals and several types of amino acids.

Stimulates digestion

Fermented glutinous rice, both white and purple varieties, is a food and drink consumed with both the liquid and the solids. Its delicious and fragrant flavor is enjoyed by many, including the elderly and children. This dish not only nourishes the body but also stimulates appetite and aids digestion.

Preventing iron deficiency

Glutinous rice is very high in iron. Therefore, eating purple glutinous rice every day can help prevent iron deficiency diseases.