Joha Rice Shows Potential in Lowering Blood Glucose and Preventing Diabetes, Says Ministry of Science & Technology

The Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, announced today that Joha rice, a fragrant rice grown in the Northeastern region of India, has shown effectiveness in reducing blood glucose levels and preventing the onset of diabetes. This makes it a promising choice as a nutraceutical for managing diabetes.

However, the ministry emphasized the need for scientific validation of the traditional claims associating Joha rice consumption with a lower incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

A study was carried out by researchers from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an independent institute operating under the Department of Science and Technology. The objective of the study was to explore the nutraceutical characteristics of aromatic Joha rice.

Rajlakshmi Devi and Paramita Choudhury investigated rice's potential health benefits. In their research, they identified two unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (omega-6) and linolenic acid (omega-3), through in vitro laboratory analysis.

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These essential fatty acids, which cannot be produced by the human body, are known to help maintain various physiological conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to the prevention of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. In experiments conducted on diabetic rats, Joha rice demonstrated its ability to lower blood glucose levels and prevent the onset of diabetes.

Scientists have made an additional finding that scented Joha rice has a more optimal balance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in comparison to the commonly consumed non-scented rice variety. The ideal ratio of these essential fatty acids for maintaining a proper diet is approximately one. Utilizing Joha rice, the researchers developed rice bran oil, a patented product that they claim to be effective in managing diabetes.

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Furthermore, Joha rice is rich in a variety of antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolics, which contribute to its numerous health benefits. It is rich in bioactive compounds such as oryzanol, ferulic acid, tocotrienol, caffeic acid, catechuic acid, gallic acid, and tricin. Each of these compounds has reported antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and cardio-protective effects, as highlighted by the ministry.

In conclusion, the nutraceutical properties of aromatic Joha rice have been investigated by scientists from IASST, who have identified its potential in lowering blood glucose levels and preventing diabetes onset. The rice's balanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, along with its abundance of antioxidants and bioactive compounds, makes it a promising choice for diabetes management.

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