Apr 15, 2014 10:55 AM EDT By Jaleesa Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Eating rice may reduce body weight and improve markers for health, according to a recent study.

New research, partially funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the USA Rice Federation, found that consumers can improve their diets by simply adding white or brown rice to their daily meals, according to a press release.

Researchers said rice is a quality carbohydrate and is a naturally nutritious grain that provides about 100 calories per half-cup cooked serving and is naturally free of gluten. Brown rice is a 100 percent whole grain food and white rice is enriched with important nutrients, including folic acid and iron.

"Our results show that adults who eat rice had diets more consistent with what is recommended in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, and they showed higher amounts of potassium, magnesium, iron, folate and fiber while eating less saturated fat and added sugars," lead author Theresa Nicklas said in a statement. "Eating rice is also associated with eating more servings of fruit, vegetables, meat and beans."

For the study, Nicklas and colleagues analyzed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey datasets from 2005-2010 and evaluated the association of rice consumption with overall diet quality and key nutrient intakes in a nationally representative sample of 14,386 U.S. adults.¹

They found that Americans enjoy nearly 27 pounds of enriched white and brown rice per person per year with the majority (70 percent) of rice consumption coming from enriched white rice.

"Americans eat a variety of grain-based foods, but rice stands out because it is eaten primarily as an intact grain that is naturally sodium free and has only a trace amount of fat, with no saturated fat. Consumers can control adding fat, salt and flavors at their discretion," researchers said.

This research builds on two previously published studies that showed the positive contribution of rice to diet quality. A 2009 observational study found that rice eaters consumed significantly less fat and saturated fat and consumed more iron, potassium, fiber, meat, vegetables and grains.

"These studies taken together demonstrate that if you focus on eating the right combination of foods, it will help Americans get closer to meeting their nutrient needs. The key recommendation of the Dietary Guidelines is, after all, that our goal should be to aim for a healthy eating pattern. These studies show that rice eaters are doing this," Anne Banville, vice president of the USA Rice Federation, said in a statement.

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