Need more antioxidants? U.S. study says try black rice!

William Atkins
Sunday, 29 August 2010 00:42

Science - Health

A preliminary study performed at Louisiana State University found that black rice has more antioxidant punch than blueberries. Find out what else it contains that adds to its appeal!

 

Dr. Zhimin Xu, an associate professor at the Food Science Department, Agricultural Center, of Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge), is the lead author of a study performed with black rice and black rice bran.

They are also sometimes called “purple rice” and “purple rice bran,” respectively.

Dr. Xu and his colleagues presented the preliminary results of their study at the 240th National Meeting and Exposition (Fall 2010) of the American Chemical Society (ACS) held in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. from August 22 to 26, 2010.

The researchers claim that a spoonful of black rice bran contains more “anthocyanin antioxidants” that an equivalent amount of blueberries.

A news release from the ACS states, “It is black rice, one variety of which got the moniker “Forbidden Rice” in ancient China because nobles commandeered every grain for themselves and forbade the common people from eating it.” [ACS: “Black rice rivals pricey blueberries as source of healthful antioxidants”]

Antioxidants are know for their ability to help fight cancer, heart disease, and other serious medical conditions.

In the United States, black rice is primarily grown in the southern states. Many different types of black rice are grown around the world, such as in Asia.

Page two continues with more of the story touting the health benefits of black rice.