"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 American Dietetic Association Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo 2007 (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."
According to the study rice eaters 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.
Some of the health benefits include:
-- 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.
Upton concludes, "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 United States."
