The Black Rice
BLACK RICE IS THE NEW CANCER-FIGHTING SUPERFOOD, CLAIM SCIENTISTS
Black rice is low in sugar but packed with healthy fibre and plant compounds
that combat heart disease and cancer, according to scientists
Black
rice - revered in ancient China but overlooked in the West - could be
the greatest 'superfoods', scientists revealed today.
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 U.S. 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 vegetable a day, but there is still no
conclusive evidence that 'super foods' alone make a real difference to
your heart health.'