New antioxidant, iron-rich rice strains developed

BANGKOK, 24 June 2010 (NNT) – Researchers from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) have successfully developed new rice strains which have the property to reduce free radicals and diabetes.

NRCT Secretary General, MD Soottiporn Chittmittrapap, said the new rice strains, named Riceberry and Sinlek, contained very high nutrition. They are rich in iron, have low sugar index and help slowing down sugar absorption in human bodies. They also have an anti oxidation property and help reduce risk of diabetes, heart disease, coronary artery disease, and cancer.

The rice has been successfully grown in the central region of Thailand but only on a limited area because there are not enough seeds for dissemination.

The NRCT works as a principle research unit to develop the rice strains to better suit the country’s topography and to enhance nutritional value of rice.