Helen M. Flores January 09, 2011 MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is promoting the use of brown rice as part of the agency’s efforts to address malnutrition in the country.
“We propose a shift in our preference from white rice to brown rice,” said Science Secretary Mario Montejo.
“We will fortify brown rice with vitamins, minerals and other essential micronutrients,” he said.
According to the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), brown rice is a good source of dietary fiber, magnesium, lysine, and protein.
It is believed to be more nutritious than white rice because when rice is polished, a significant amount (68 percent to 90 percent) of calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin, and thiamine are removed, the agency said.
It said protein content is also reduced by 15 percent when the bran layers are removed.
Brown and white rice contain similar amounts of calories, carbohydrates and protein, fatty acids and fiber.
Meanwhile, Montejo said the DOST will also develop ways to expand the shelf life of brown rice which is shorter than that of white rice.
“The DOST is now developing a process and we expect it to be completed this year,” Montejo said.
Montejo said because of the low demand, brown rice is currently more expensive than white rice.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=646375&publicationSubCategoryId=77
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