Survey ShowsRice Eaters Have Healthier Diets (NAPSA)—Eatingrice is not just nice, it can be healthier. People who eat rice have healthier diets, eat more fruits and vegetables, consumeless added sugar and fat andarelikely to have a lower body mass index than non-rice eaters, according to a recent study. The data presented to dietitians and health professionals suggest that includingrice as part of a healthy, balanced diet can be linked to overall healthier eating patterns. The data also indicate that rice eaters are more likely to eat a diet consistent with the 2005 U.S. Dietary Guidelines. “The data show that rice eaters also consume more nutrients such as folic acid, potassium and iron that are contained in rice products and that they appear to manage their weight better than non-rice consumers,” says Helen Jensen, the Iowa State University researcher who conducted the study. The survey identified those who consumed at least half a serving of white or brown rice a day and how rice consumers’ diets differ from the diets of non-rice eaters. “We know that rice is the foundation of a healthy diet for much of the world, especially in Asia and the Mediterranean. This study documentsfor the first time a similar pattern among rice eaters in the U.S.,” says Keith Ayoob, registered dietitian and associate professor, Department of Pediatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “In light of today’s obesity epidemic, the data showing that rice eaters eat less fat and sugar and, as a result, tend to eliminate a lot of calories that they don’t need from their diets, is good news for people whoare looking to adopt a healthier eating style and main- According to a new survey, rice eaters tend to eat less fat and consume more nutrients. tain a healthy weight. In addition, rice partners well with foods like vegetables that we want people to eat moreof.” The diets of rice eaters are more consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines, which recommend that Americans eat a healthy balance of nutrient-dense foods; increase consumption of vegetables and fruits; limit saturated and trans fats, sodium and cholesterol; and watch their caloric intake. The Guidelines also recommend that people consume three or more ounce-equivalents of whole-grain products such as brown rice, per day, with the rest of the recommended grains coming from enriched products, such as white rice, or whole grain products. A half cup of brown or white rice equals one ounce-equivalent. For more information about the nutritional benefits of rice or to obtain a copy of a recipe for Orange Chicken and Vegetable Stir-fry (pictured above) and other healthy rice recipes, visit www.usarice.com.
