FDA Approves Health Claim for Brown Rice(inst certain cancers. -- There's stil...),Health

-- There's still confusion about what foods are whole grains. While 80

percent of consumers know that brown rice is a whole grain, more than

80 percent also mistakenly think that bran cereal and breads marked

simply as "wheat" are also whole grains.

-- Most individuals (80 percent) said they would be likely to eat more

whole grains if these foods were clearly labeled as whole grains; and

another 68 percent said they would increase consumption if the health

benefits were stated on the package.

"Since eating just one cup of brown rice is equivalent to two of the three recommended daily whole grain servings, the new health claim will certainly assist people in meeting their whole grain goals," said Slavin.

"This is a milestone event. Today brown rice joins the recognized ranks of healthful foods that are entitled to make this claim. Having this information on packages of brown rice will help consumers increase whole grain consumption and reduce their risk of heart disease and some cancers," said Al Montna, chairman of the USA Rice Federation.

The FDA action adds support to the growing body of scientific data that shows that rice is a healthy food choice. Recent research found that rice eaters are more likely to eat a diet consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans(2). Americans who eat rice have healthier diets than non-rice eaters and may have reduced risk for chronic diseases including heart disease and type II diabetes(2,3). Compared to people who do not eat rice, people who eat rice consume less added sugar and fat; consume more nutrients, such as folic acid, potassium and iron that are contained in rice products; are less likely to be overweight or have an increased waist circumference; have 34 percent reduced risk of having high blood pressure; and have a 21 percent reduced risk of metabolic syndrome(3).

In both whole grain brown and enri
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