Guwahati, 24 June: Assamese Joha Rice, a fragrant kind of rice helps prevent diabetes, according to a study.
Joha rice is beneficial in decreasing blood glucose and delaying the onset of diabetes, according to researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, a department-affiliated autonomous institute in Guwahati.
In their research, Rajlakshmi Devi and Paramita Choudhury examined the nutritional benefits, physiological advantages and anti-chronic illness characteristics of the Joha rice.
The researchers discovered that the Joha rice contained two unsaturated fatty acids through in vitro laboratory study. These are linoleic acid (omega-6) and linolenic acid (omega-3) which are essentially fatty acids that the human body cannot make but are crucial for maintaining a number of physiological states.
Numerous metabolic illnesses including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer are prevented by omega-3 fatty acids.
In the trial, it was discovered that Joha effectively reduced blood sugar levels and delayed the onset of diabetes in diabetic rats.
Further research revealed that, in compared to the widely consumed non-scented variant, scented Joha rice has a more balanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3.
There are various other advantages to this rice. It contains a lot of flavonoids, phenolics and antioxidants.
The Joha rice variety is a short-grain winter paddy that is renowned for both its outstanding flavour and distinctive scent. The major producer of this rice is Assam, and it is widely grown in the Garo Hills.
Additionally, in order to increase the state’s farmers’ income, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has placed a strong emphasis on buying paddy from them.