By Admin 
In India, rice is not just a food item but is a part of our everyday life. It is common to have white rice in every plate, but this long standing habit is about to change. Scientists have developed a new rice called CSIR Designer Rice, which is not only similar in taste to traditional rice, but an attempt has also been made to add some health benefits to it.
This rice is not grown in traditional fields, but is prepared in a lab. It has been made using extrusion technology so that it has low glycemic index (GI) and high protein content. This means that this rice will increase your blood sugar gradually instead of increasing it rapidly and the body will get more protein. How different is this rice made in the lab from normal rice and is it healthy?
How is this rice made?
CSIR designer rice is completely different from traditional rice cultivation. First of all, ground rice flour is taken and protein extracted from rice is added to it. This mixture then passes through twin-screw extrusion technology.
In this process, the mixture is molded into the shape of rice grains by passing them through a metal die at high temperature and pressure. Its advantage is that the grains look like polished rice, but are better in nutrition. Anandharamakrishnan, who is the director of this research, says that no chemical additive is used in this, it is only a physical process.
How different is this rice made in the lab from normal rice?
CSIR designer rice made in the lab is different from normal white rice in many ways. The biggest feature of this designer rice is its low GI. Regular white rice is quickly digested and causes a rapid spike in blood sugar, which can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity. A solution to this problem has been found by increasing the amount of protein in designer rice. Due to more protein, carbohydrates are digested slowly and blood sugar does not increase suddenly.
Ordinary rice contains about 6–8 percent protein, whereas in this designer rice it has been increased to 20 percent. This protein is pure protein extracted from rice, which is plant-based and allergy-free. However, some nutritionists say that the quality of protein is not completely balanced. Rice protein does not provide a complete amino acid profile, so it is most beneficial when combined with other sources.
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Is it healthy?
CSIR designer rice is somewhat healthier than conventional white rice as it has higher protein (about 20 percent) and lower glycemic index, which helps in increasing blood sugar slowly and reducing the risk of diabetes or obesity. It is made from plant-based and allergy-free proteins, but because it has been reformulated in a lab, it is considered ultra-processed food and the proteins are not perfectly balanced. Therefore, eating it as part of a balanced everyday diet would be beneficial, but it cannot be called a completely super healthy option.
From lab to market
CSIR has licensed this technology to Tata Consumer Products and SS Sol Foods of Chennai. They will handle the work of selling it in the market, fixing the price and distribution. Its reach will depend on its price.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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