Elemental Composition of Rice Varieties and Their Importance to Human Health (Review Paper)

Abstract

Rice is one of the most important staple foods for half of the world’s population. People consume rice on a daily basis. Rice has been used by humans since 5000 BC. It is believed that rice is originated in Asia. Asian people get 80% of their daily caloric requirements from rice. Rice is cultivated and consumed across the globe for its nutritional health properties. With the growing world population, the demand for food production is also rising. Rice is estimated to be a crucial part of nourishing this increasing world population. At present, people get more than 20% of their calories from rice. Rice is a bulk source of numerous elements such as Nitrogen (N), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), Phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Aluminum (Al), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr). Apart from the elements Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O) are the most abundant due to their presence in carbohydrates. Elements are necessary for normal metabolic functions and are essential components of a balanced diet. These mineral elements play a vital role in growth, cellular mechanism, and muscle contraction their deficiency may cause poor growth, osteoporosis, and weight loss. Rice may help to overpower the severity of certain diseases by meeting mineral/elemental deficiencies in the human body. Rice is easily digestible thus, may help in boosting metabolism. Due to its nutritional properties, rice is highly consumed and preferred over other cereals.