A new study showing that eating rice helps improve diet and manage weight and other risk factors was made public at the Experimental Biology 2012 (EB 2012) conference.  The study builds on and further confirms previous published rice studies that demonstrate that individuals who consume rice are less likely to be overweight and have a healthier diet than non-rice eaters.  For the first time, the study provides data to support that rice is a positive addition to U.S. children's diets, which is important given the focus on preventing childhood obesity. 

The study was commissioned by The Rice Foundation and conducted by researchers at Tufts University using the most recent U.S. Department of Agriculture consumption data. Researchers also showed that rice eaters consume significantly more important nutrients, including potassium and vitamin D, identified in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans as important nutrients for the general population. 

Taken together with previous published studies, the results show that the type of grain, as well as amount of grain consumed may be an important influence on nutritional status, researchers noted.

A news release announcing the study results was distributed today, with early results showing widespread media pick up.

EB 2012 is a meeting of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.