The potential of rice to offer solutions for malnutrition and chronic diseases

Abstract

It is internationally accepted that malnutrition and chronic diseases in developing countries are key limitations to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. In many developing countries, rice is the primary source of nutrition. In those countries, the major forms of malnutrition are Fe-induced anaemia, Zn deficiency and Vitamin A deficiency, whereas the major chronic disease challenges are Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. There is a growing corpus of evidence regarding both limitations and opportunities as to how rice could be an effective vehicle by which to tackle key nutrition and health related problems in countries with limited resources. Rice breeding programs are able to focus on developing new varieties carrying enhanced amounts of either Fe, Zn or beta-carotene because of large public investment, and the intuitive link between providing a mineral/vitamin to cure a deficiency in that mineral/vitamin. By contrast, there has been little investment in progressing the development of particular varieties for potential impact on chronic diseases. In this review article we focus on the broad battery of evidence linking rice-related nutritional limitations to their impact on a variety of human health issues. We discuss how rice might offer sometimes even simple solutions to rectifying key problems through targeted biofortification strategies and finally, we draw attention to how recent technological (−omics) developments may facilitate untold new opportunities for more rapidly generating improved rice varieties specifically designed to meet the current and future nutritional needs of a rapidly expanding global population.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1939-8433-5-16) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Polyphenols in whole rice grain: Genetic diversity and health benefits

“…The soluble phenolics of red rice grain display a greater inhibitory effect on angiotension I-converting enzyme than that of non-pigmented rice (Massaretto, Madureira Alves, Mussi de Mira, Carmona, & Lanfer Marquez, 2011). The bound phenolic acids, especially the bound ferulic acid, would be released enzymatically in colon because the fibrous materials are hard to be digested in stomach and intestine, which may play an important role in prevention of colon cancer, as well as anti-inflammatory effects (Dipti et al, 2012). Therefore, the consumption of different forms of phenolic acids results in different health benefits.…”

“…The unabsorbed anthocyanins travel down to the colon, where many microbes are located, and catalysis, hydrolysis and absorption occur. All the absorbed anthocyanins show high inhibition to the mobility and invasion ability of some cancers in human (Chen et al, 2006), and beneficial against cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes and obesity (Dipti et al, 2012). However, the detailed mechanisms of their action need to be further clarified.…”

“…In addition, European, US and Australian citizens are eating more rice nowadays, possibly due to an increased interest in Asian cuisine. With the growth of population, our world faces some major global health challenges, such as malnutrition and increased incidence of chronic diseases like heart disease, Type II diabetes, obesity, and cancers (Dipti et al, 2012). Obviously, malnutrition is a major health burden in the developing countries.…”

Impact of phytic acid on nutrient bioaccessibility and antioxidant properties of dehusked rice

“…It is consumed primarily in milled or polished form, containing only the starchy endosperm. Dehusked rice is commonly recognized as peasant food, and only consumed by the elderly among Asians (Dipti et al 2012). In Malaysia, increasing epidemiological evidence and growing diet diversification had promoted increasing whole grains consumption (Norhaizan and Nor Faizadatul Ain 2009).…”

The Potential of Dark Purple Scented Rice- From Staple Food to Nutraceutical

“…The Cambodian uses the matured plants hulls for treating dysentery and diuretic cases. People of the Philippines use rice polish know as bran, (Tiki tiki) as an excellent source of vitamin B, to cure and prevent beri beri disease (Vir et al, 2005), malnutrition and chronic diseases (Dipti et al, 2012). In India, rice plays an important role from the ancient times where the great saga Parashara has written in Sanskrit that rice is vitality, rice is vigor too and rice indeed is the means of fulfillment of all ends of life.…”