Summary
Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2008 and the Food Commodity Intake Database, researchers compared the diets of more than 8,000 adults and children who reported eating rice versus those who reported not eat rice, for important health parameters including obesity risk, cholesterol levels, energy intake, major vitamin and mineral intakes, weigh status, blood pressure, diet quality, and serum folate level for adults 20 years and older. Results from the study demonstrates that individuals who consume rice are less likely to be overweight and enjoy a healthier diet than those who don’t consume rice.
The study showed that rice eaters, including children and adults, consume significantly more folate, iron, potassium, vitamins B6, B12 and A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and zinc. Rice eaters had a significantly higher energy intake, yet consumed a lower percentage of calories from fat and saturated fat compared to those who did not eat rice. In addition, adults who eat rice are less likely to be overweight or obese and have a smaller waist circumference. Rice consumers had lower waist circumference, triceps skinfold, and were significantly more likely to have a body mass index less than or equal to 25.
Citation
Kennedy, E., Luo, H. (2015). Association between Rice Consumption and Selected Indicators of Dietary and Nutritional Status using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2008, Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 54:3, 224-239, DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2014.972391. https://doi.org/10.1080/03670244.2014.972391