Riceberry is a type of Thai rice that is a result of breeding between Hom Nil rice and Khao Dok Mali rice. The rice grains are purple. When cooked, they have a sticky texture and can be consumed without polishing. Riceberry is suitable for people with diabetes or those who need to control their blood sugar levels because it is rich in various substances that help reduce blood sugar levels, such as anthocyanins, gramisterol, gamma oryzanol, or beta carotene.
What is riceberry?
Riceberry rice is a cross between two rice varieties: Hom Nil rice and Khao Dok Mali 105 rice by the Rice Science Center, Kasetsart University. The grains are dark purple and have a soft, chewy texture after cooking.
Today, this type of rice is widely grown in the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand.
How is riceberry beneficial for diabetic patients?
Riceberry has a glycemic index (Glycemic Index) or the rate at which blood sugar levels rise after consumption into the body at 62, which is considered moderate and lower than the glycemic index of general rice, which is 73. Therefore, it is considered suitable for diabetic patients who need to control their blood sugar levels so that they do not rise too high.
In addition, riceberry also contains various substances that have properties that help alleviate or prevent diabetes by helping control blood sugar levels from being too high, such as anthocyanins, gramisterol, gamma oryzanol, beta carotene, and lutein.
An academic article studying riceberry as a dietary supplement and super antioxidant food, published in the online journal of the Rice Science Center, ทางเข้า ufabet University in 2020, cited an experiment in diabetic mice that consuming riceberry bran supplements helped reduce blood sugar levels, as well as alleviate high blood fat levels, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the body. In addition, diabetic mice that consumed riceberry bran supplements also had increased levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and decreased levels of bad cholesterol (LDL).
However, the experiment was conducted on animals. Further human trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of riceberry in controlling blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
Precautions for consuming riceberry for diabetes
Although riceberry may be beneficial for diabetics in helping control blood sugar levels, it should be consumed with caution as follows:
- The amount of riceberry eaten at each meal should be limited.
- Riceberry has a medium glycemic index and should be consumed with foods with a low glycemic index, low-fat protein, good fats, fruits, and vegetables with low carbohydrates.
- Riceberry should be consumed with a variety of nutritious foods at each meal.