The scientific consensus supporting rice as a healthy food continues to grow with publication of USA Rice Federation's second Healthy Rice Eaters study in Nutrition Today journal. A news release announced the publication and detailed study findings that suggest that rice consumption improves overall diet quality and reduces risk for many chronic conditions, including obesity, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome. News of the publication was carried on Yahoo!, Reuters, Food Industry Today, and 76 other news sites, garnering more than 80 million impressions.

Researchers analyzed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Health and Nutrition Examination data, including the diets of more than 25,000 children and adults. The results show that children and adults who reported eating rice had diets that contained higher amounts of several key nutrients such as folate and other B-vitamins, potassium, fiber and vitamin A. In addition, those who ate rice consumed less total fat, saturated fat and added sugars, and more beans and fruit.

With funding provided by The Rice Foundation, USA Rice plans to conduct a third Healthy Rice Eaters study, which will examine new USDA data for more facts to show how rice improves nutrition and health. This study will provide additional messages to persuade consumers to choose rice. The first Healthy Rice Eaters study was published last year in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.