Long Grain White Rice
Summary
Long Grain White Rice is a processed food that has been enriched with essential vitamins such as niacin, thiamine, and folic acid to compensate for nutrient loss during milling. While these fortifications are beneficial, the product's processing level limits its score. Despite being a staple food with added nutrients, it lacks the whole grain benefits found in less processed alternatives.
At a glance
Key ingredients 5
RiceNeutral
Rice is a staple carbohydrate source providing energy. It is minimally processed but lacks significant micronutrients compared to whole grains. The refining process removes the bran and germ, reducing fiber and nutrient content.
Benefits
Provides a quick source of energy due to its high carbohydrate content.
NiacinGood
Niacin is a B-vitamin essential for energy metabolism and DNA repair. It is added to enriched rice to compensate for nutrient loss during processing. This fortification helps prevent deficiencies in populations relying heavily on rice.
Benefits
Supports energy production and helps maintain healthy skin and nerves.
IronNeutral
Iron is a crucial mineral for oxygen transport in the blood. Ferric orthophosphate is used to fortify rice, enhancing its nutritional profile. However, the bioavailability of this form of iron can be lower compared to heme iron from animal sources.
Risks
Excessive iron intake can lead to toxicity, but this is unlikely from fortified foods alone.
Benefits
Helps prevent iron-deficiency anemia, especially in populations with limited access to diverse diets.
ThiamineGood
Thiamine is a B-vitamin important for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function. It is added to enriched rice to replace nutrients lost during milling. This fortification is crucial for preventing beriberi, a disease caused by thiamine deficiency.
Benefits
Essential for energy metabolism and proper nervous system function.
Folic AcidGood
Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, a B-vitamin necessary for DNA synthesis and cell division. It is added to rice to prevent neural tube defects in developing fetuses. Fortification helps ensure adequate intake in populations with limited dietary diversity.
Risks
Excessive intake can mask vitamin B12 deficiency, but this is rare from fortified foods alone.
Benefits
Crucial for fetal development and reducing the risk of birth defects.
Processing
Processed Foods
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