Black Rice Bran Packs Powerful Antioxidant Punch

BOSTONNew research presented at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) suggests black rice bran contains more anthocyanin antioxidants that fresh blueberries and blackberries and may provide an economical way to increase consumption of health promoting antioxidants.

Just a spoonful of black rice bran contains more health promoting anthocyanin antioxidants than are found in a spoonful of blueberries, but with less sugar and more fiber and vitamin E antioxidants," said Zhimin Xu, associate professor at the Department of Food Science at Louisiana State University Agricultural Center in Baton Rouge, La., who reported on the research. If berries are used to boost health, why not black rice and black rice bran?"

The researchers suggest food manufacturers could possibly use black rice bran or the bran extracts to increase the health value of breakfast cereals, beverages, cakes, cookies and other foods.

The researchers analyzed samples of black rice bran from rice grown in the southern United States and found that in addition to containing high levels of lipid-soluble antioxidants, black rice bran has higher levels of water-soluble anthocyanins antioxidants, which may make black rice bran healthier than brown rice bran.

The researchers also showed pigments in black rice bran extracts can produce a variety of different colors, ranging from pink to black, and may provide a healthier alternative to artificial food colorants that manufacturers now add to some foods and beverages.