At a glance
Summary
This product is a processed food due to the enrichment process, which adds vitamins and minerals to the rice. While it provides essential nutrients like niacin, iron, and folic acid, it lacks the fiber and nutrient density of whole grains. The processing level limits its score, but the absence of harmful additives and the presence of added nutrients contribute positively to its rating.
Key ingredients 5
NiacinGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Benefits
Essential for energy metabolism and maintaining healthy skin and nerves.
RiceNeutral
Rice is a staple carbohydrate source providing energy. It is minimally processed but lacks significant micronutrients compared to whole grains. Enrichment adds some vitamins and minerals back, but it remains a basic energy source.
Benefits
Provides a source of carbohydrates for energy. Enrichment adds some essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins.
IronNeutral
Iron is added to enriched rice to prevent deficiencies and improve nutritional value. It is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood. The form used, ferric orthophosphate, is a common fortification agent.
Risks
Excessive iron intake can lead to toxicity, but this is unlikely from fortified foods alone.
Benefits
Essential for oxygen transport and preventing anemia.
ThiamineNeutral
Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is added to enriched rice to enhance its nutritional profile. It is vital for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function. Fortification helps replace nutrients lost during milling.
Benefits
Supports carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function.
Folic AcidNeutral
Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate added to enriched rice to prevent deficiencies. It is important for DNA synthesis and cell division. Fortification is beneficial for populations at risk of folate deficiency.
Risks
Excessive intake can mask vitamin B12 deficiency, but this is rare from fortified foods alone.
Benefits
Essential for DNA synthesis and preventing neural tube defects in pregnancy.
Processing
Processed Foods
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