NIST in Kerala develops 'designer rice' with 22% protein and low GI

If all goes well, Kerala's fitness-conscious folk will soon be able to have their rice and eat it too! The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR NIIST) in Thiruvananthapuram has developed a designer rice with 22 per cent protein and a low GI of 54.

It is made by fortifying leftover paddy with protein using modern machinery. The 'smart rice' also has iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, says Dr C Anantharamakrishnan, director of CSIR NIIST. The rice is expected to be in the market soon, he said.

The director said the rice will benefit people with diabetes. "In India, diabetes is continuously on the rise. Almost 100 million of us have the disease. Around 50 per cent of people are anaemic as well. This rice can solve both problems. Under the Tata Transformation Prize (a major innovation award in India for scientists who develop breakthrough technologies), this work has been carried out at CSIR-NIISST," he said.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. What's the ideal percentage of protein that should be included in our daily diet?
According to the Mayo Clinic, about 10 to 35 per cent of our daily calories should come from protein.
2. What natural rice variety has the most amount of protein?
Experts say wild rice, which has around 6.5 gm of protein per 1 cup, has the highest protein content. The dark-coloured rice is also gluten-free and is great for controlling LDL levels.
3. Is wild rice available in India?
Wild rice is native to North America, but it is available on various online platforms. There are also Indian wild rice varieties, such as bamboo rice, that are quite popular.
(With inputs from Onmanorama Staff)