PULUT HITAM (BLACK GLUTINOUS RICE)

BLACK RICE IS THE NEW CANCER-FIGHTING SUPERFOOD, CLAIM SCIENTISTS Carried on Friday, 27-August-2010 by Daily Mail , UK http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1306356/Black-rice-new-cancer-fighting-superfood-claim-scientists.htmlhttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1306356/Black-rice-new-cancer-fighting-superfood-claim-scientists.html 

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.' 

Health Benefits Of Black Rice Have you heard about black rice ? Like red and brown rice, black types of rice retain the bran cover that is usually removed to create the traditional white rice.  This means that it retains its natural nutritional benefits than the more processed white rice. In ancient China , black rice was only served to the highest authority which is the emperors.  Once you were caught eating black rice, you would be subject for death execution.  This was the reason why in ancient Chinese times, black rice was referred to as the "Forbidden Rice".  

 

 

 

Today, this type of rice are being distributed worldwide and its nutritional benefits are already discovered. Sometimes referred as "Super Food", black rice are packed with vitamins, amino acids and minerals plus high amounts of fiber. Black rice also contains anthocyanins, a good antioxidant food source that is a perfect component for cancer prevention and other serious diseases.  This is the reason why it has dark blue, purple colour.  This antioxidant is also responsible for good memory and maintains a healthy heart.  

 

This rice also has less sugar, making it more ideal to people who are diabetics.  It also contains more fiber than brown rice, thus helping you lose more cholesterol and lessen the risks of hypertension. Black rice is a good alternative for your daily meal. 

 

Instead of indulging yourselves into a fatty diet, why not try black rice. It is more heart-friendly, prevents cancer and may also promotes weight loss. You can acquire black rice through your local supermarkets or you can buy online through different online retails stores like eBay and Amazon