sushi and desserts.
Black rice - revered in ancient China but overlooked in the West -
could be the greatest 'superfoods', according to research done by
scientists from Louisiana State University.
The cereal is low in sugar but packed with healthy fibre and plant
compounds that combat heart disease and cancer, say experts.
Scientists from Louisiana State University analysed samples of bran
from black rice grown in the southern US They found boosted levels of
water-soluble anthocyanin antioxidants.
Anthocyanins provide the dark colours of many fruits and vegetables,
such as blueberries and red peppers. They are what makes black rice
'black'.
Research suggests that the dark plant antioxidants, which mop up
harmful molecules, can help protect arteries and prevent the DNA
damage that leads to cancer.
Food scientist Dr Zhimin Xu said: 'Just a spoonful of black rice bran
contains more health promoting anthocyanin antioxidants than are found
in a spoonful of blueberries, but with less sugar, and more fibre and
vitamin E antioxidants.
"If berries are used to boost health, why not black rice and black
rice bran? Especially, black rice bran would be a unique and
economical material to increase consumption of health-promoting
antioxidants."
Centuries ago black rice was known as 'Forbidden Rice' in ancient
China because only nobles were allowed to eat it.
Today black rice is mainly used in Asia for food decoration, noodles,
sushi and desserts.
But food manufacturers could potentially use black rice bran or bran
extracts to make breakfast cereals, beverages, cakes, biscuits and
other foods healthier, said Dr Xu.
When rice is processed, millers remove the outer layers of the grains
to produce brown rice or more refined white rice - the kind most
widely consumed in the West.
Brown rice is said to be more nutritious because it has higher levels
of healthy vitamin E compounds and antioxidants.
But according to Dr Xu's team, varieties of rice that are black or
purple in colour are healthier still.
They added that black rice could also be used to provide healthier,
natural colourants. Studies linked some artificial colourants to
cancer and behavioural problems in children.
The scientists presented their findings today at the 240th National
Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Boston.
Victoria Taylor, senior dietician at the British Heart Foundation,
said: 'In reality, it's unlikely there's a single food out there that
will have a great impact on lowering your risk of heart disease.
Healthy eating is about a balanced diet overall.
"It's great if you can eat more of some groups of healthy foods, like
having five portions of fruit and veg a day, but there is still no
conclusive evidence that 'super foods' alone make a real difference to
your heart health."
Source: Daily Mail
Published Aug 28 2010
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