Black rice shows promise of fighting cancer (From Mind Your Body of The Straits Times dated 2010-09-02)

The following article is from Mind Your Body of The Straits Times dated 2010-09-02

Black rice, often used in desserts like pulot hitam, contains health-promoting properties similar to those found in blackberries and blueberries, according to new research. It shows promise of fighting cancer, heart disease and other health problems.

'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," said

Dr Zhimin Xu, of Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. 'If berries are used to boost health, why not black rice and black rice bran?"

WebMD reported that DrXu and his colleagues analysed samples of black rice bran from rice grown in southern United States.

As it is inexpensive, Dr Xu said it would be a unique way to increase people's intake of antioxidants, which promote health.

He suggested that food manufacturers could use black rice bran or bran extracts to boost the health value of breakfast cereals, beverages, cookies and other foods.

The researchers also showed that pigments in black rice bran extracts can produce a variety of colours, from pink to black, and may be a healthier alternative to artificial food colourants that manufacturers now add to some foods and beverages.

In the study presented at a medical conference in Boston recently, Dr Xu wrote that several studies have linked some artificial colourants to cancer, behavioural problems in children and other adverse health effects.