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Functional Properties of Heirloom Sri Lankan Rice

Many tests have been done in Sri Lanka to prove the health benefits & following nutrients have been found in all varieties:


1. Selenium – A cup of provides 27.3% of the DV for selenium, an important trace mineral known to drastically reduce certain forms of cancer, as well as heart disease, inflammatory conditions and rheumatoid arthritis. Other foods rich in with Selenium are Brazil Nuts, Sunflower Seed, tuna, halibut, sardines, flounder, salmon, Meat (Beef, liver, lamb, pork), wheat germ, barley, oats.

2. Manganese – Just one cup will provide 88.0% of the daily value for the nervous and reproductive systems. It also acts as a co-factor for more than 300 enzymes, including enzymes involved in the body’s use of glucose and insulin secretion.
Other foods are Cocoa Powder and Dark Chocolate, Flax, Sesame Seeds, and Sesame Butter, Mussels, Oysters, Clams .

3. Naturally Occurring Oils – These heart-healthy oils reduces LDL forms of cholesterol. Foods Known to have similar nutrition are Corn, olives, Avocado, coconut, palm .

4. Phytochemicals – Studies show that six servings weekly can lower the creation of arterial plaque build-up and reduce chances of developing heart disease and high cholesterol. Simply because it contains disease-fighting phytochemicals.
Other foods – oats, barley, quinoa, sorghum, spelt, rye, corn.

5. Antioxidant – blueberries and green tea are not the only foods High with Antioxidants. The Study conducted by the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) (No.10715TG6) of Sri Lanka Proves that Traditional rice have in fact a Higher Antioxidant Properties.

Removing the bran impacts nutrients.

6. Fiber – Just one a cup provides 14.0% of the daily value for fiber. Because of its fiber-richness and ability to keep healthy bowel function, the rice will “keeps things moving” in a way that promotes weight-loss and metabolic function. After one bowl of our rice, People feel more full despite eating a smaller amount of food.

7. Low Glycemic Index – Unlike white rice/white bread,These traditional Verities can help keep blood sugar stabilized as it releases sugars slowly and in a sustained fashion. new
research shows that individuals who eat at least two servings of this brown rice weekly can reduce their chances of developing diabetes 2 by up to 11 percent.

8. Phosphorus – an essential nutrient required for proper cell functioning, regulation of calcium, strong bones and teeth, and for making ATP (adenosine triphosphate) a molecule which provides energy to our cells. A in phosphorus deficiency can
lead to lowered appetite, anemia, muscle pain, improper bone formation (rickets), numbness, & a weakened immune system.

9. Iron – It is a part of proteins and enzymes found throughout our body, including hemoglobin and myoglobin, both of which help carry oxygen in the blood. Iron is an important component of the muscles. You could substitute Traditional Rice for Red meat, Egg yolks, Dark, leafy greens (spinach), Dried fruit (prunes), Mollusks (oysters, clams)

10. Vitamin B6 – Promotes a healthy central nervous and immune system. Aids in normal cellular growth and healthy skin. Helps to turn food into energy. Other examples are wheat germ, organ meats, chicken, eggs, fish, brewer’s yeast, carrots, peas, spinach, sunflower seeds, and walnuts.

11. Tryptophan – An essential Amino Acid which are building blocks of protein. Foods equally rich are cottage cheese, meat, peanuts, and sesame seeds.

12. Calories – basic unit of energy found in all foods and ar necessary to maintain the body’s vital functions. Other Examples are Junk Food, fried food, Soybean, Peanut, Palm,
Olive, Lard, Tallow, Fish Oil

13. Vitamin B1 – Healthy heart & nervous system, optimizes metabolism & brain function. Aids in circulation, blood formation, growth, muscle tone, energy and learning. May be helpful protecting against Alzheimer’s disease.

14. Vitamin B3 – Healthy nervous system, skin, tongue, and digestive system. Aids in better blood circulation and energy. Lowers bad LDL cholesterol levels and increases good HDL.

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15.  Unsaponifiables  – A Natural remedy popular with arthritis patients. Other eg.s Avocado, Soybean

16. Phytonutrients – Anti-inflammatory promotes healthy liver function. Foods with the same nutrient are Herbs, spices, blackberries, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, papaya, and melon.
17. Lignans – Lowers cancer risk by preventing pre-cancerous cellular changes, as well as slow down the progression and movement of cancer cells, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower LDL cholesterol levels. (similar to Flaxseed,
sesame, pumpkin seeds)

18. Amylose and Amylopectin content – provides a high fiber source with a low glycemic index. The more amylose present, the lower the glycemic index. Diabetics may benefit from a diet high in amylose because of the slower insulin response, which prevents quick spikes in glucose levels. Research is being conducted on the benefits of a amylose diet
in the prevention of colon cancer & heart disease.

19. Potassium – essential nutrient used to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. A deficiency in potassium causes fatigue, irritability, and hypertension. Dried Apricots, white beans, bananas, fish, Yougurt are some known foods

20. Gamma Oryzanol – convinces cells to burn sugar in the bloodstream so it doesn’t get deposited as fat in the hips or stomach areas. lowers LDL cholesterol in individuals, reduces hyperlipidemia, triglycerides, increases testosterone levels, stimulate the release of endorphins (pain-relieving substances made in the body), & promote the growth of lean muscle tissue, increasing insulin sensitivity in diabetics. Bran wheat & herbs are the only known foods with such richness.

21. Starch (amylum) – 54g in a cup of Traditional rice….Of course rice is most common form of carbohydrate, good source of energy and the main source of a range of nutrients in our diet. Potatoes, bread, cereals and pasta are the other famously known food items.

22. Protein – Needed for bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. They are also building blocks for enzymes, hormones, and vitamins. Although some think Rice is less in Protein, considering one cup of milk contains only 8 g of protein, Traditional rice is certainly a better option. Other known foods with similar richness are Milk, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts.

Source – Wikipedia

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