People who eat
rice have more nutritious diets that are higher in 12 essential vitamins
and minerals, including folic acid, potassium and vitamin C and lower in
saturated fat and added sugar, than the diets of non-rice eaters, according
to a new study presented at the American Dietetic Association Food &
Nutrition Conference & Expo 2007 (FNCE) taking place in Philadelphia
this week.
The study also
shows that rice eaters have a lower risk of high blood pressure and of
being overweight, and may have a reduced risk of heart disease, type II
diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
"We saw a trend
toward healthier eating and more favorable risk factors for disease, such
as lower blood pressure and waist circumference for all age groups, with
the most significant findings among adults aged 19-50," said study contributor
Julie Upton, MS, RD, who presented the data at the FNCE meeting.
"This is good
news for Americans looking to make a change in their diet because it suggests
that adding rice to the diet may promote healthier food choices."
The primary
objectives of the research were to identify rice consumption patterns among
U.S. adults and children and to determine the nutritional contribution
of rice to the diet and the relationship of rice consumption to specific
health parameters, including anthropometrics, blood pressure, blood lipids,
and risk for metabolic syndrome using 1999-2004 data from the National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
Utilizing these
datasets, individuals who reported consuming at least 14 grams of white
rice, brown rice, or rice flour were identified as "rice consumers."
Nearly 26 percent
of consumers in the survey sample reported eating rice during the 24-hour
recall period, making it a significant part of the American diet. Several
differences in total diet intake were observed, with the most statistically
significant results (p < 0.05) noted among adults aged 19-50 years old.
Compared to non-consumers of rice, individuals who eat rice (white or brown)
consume:
-
Less total fat, saturated fat
and added sugars;
-
Higher amounts of over 12 essential
vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate and other B-vitamins;
-
A higher quality diet including
more fruit and legumes; and
-
Nearly 4 teaspoons (16 g) less
added sugar and 7 grams less solid fats.
In addition, adults
aged 19-50 (p < 0.05) who eat rice:
-
Are less likely to be overweight/obese
-
Have a 34 percent reduced risk
of high blood pressure
-
Are 27 percent less likely to
have an increased waist circumference
-
Have a 21 percent reduced risk
of metabolic syndrome.
"We know that rice
is the foundation of a healthful diet in many other parts of the world,
including Asia and the Mediterranean. This study demonstrates a similar
pattern among rice eaters in the U.S.," says Upton.
"In light of
today's obesity epidemic, data showing that rice eaters have a better diet
quality than non-rice eaters, and that they have better health parameters,
is good news for people who are looking to adopt healthier eating habits
and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
In addition,
we know that rice partners well with foods we like to encourage, like vegetables,
legumes and lean protein."
The diets of
rice eaters are more consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines which
recommend that Americans eat a healthy balance of nutrient- dense foods,
increase consumption of vegetables and fruits, limit saturated and trans
fats, sodium and cholesterol, and watch their caloric intake.
The Guidelines
also recommend that people consume three or more ounce-equivalents of whole
grain products, such as brown rice, per day, with the rest of the recommended
grains coming from enriched or whole-grain products, such as white rice.
A half cup of cooked brown or white rice equals one ounce-equivalent.
The American
Dietetic Association Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo is the
largest nutrition conference in the world. It attracts more than 10,000
registered dietitians and nutrition scientists hungry for cutting-edge
research across the spectrum of the field of dietetics - from trends in
weight management and children's nutrition to the latest findings related
to disease- fighting nutrients to new health foods that may wind up in
your grocery cart in the near future.
Julie Upton,
a nationally recognized registered dietitian specializing in nutrition,
fitness and health, presented the findings to the leadership of the Sports,
Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutritionists - one of the largest and most
prestigious practice groups within American Dietetic Association.
For great-tasting
healthy recipes and more information on the health benefits of rice, visit
the USA Rice Federation at http://www.usarice.com.
The USA Rice
Federation is the national advocate for all segments of the rice industry,
conducting programs to build awareness and usage of U.S.-grown rice. Arkansas,
California, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Missouri produce
high-quality varieties of short, medium and long grain rice, as well as
specialty rices including jasmine, basmati, arborio, red aromatic and black
japonica, among others.
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Copyright
2007 by United Press International.
All rights reserved.
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