Black Rice Anthocyanin Content Increases with Increase in Altitude of its Plantation

Black rice is an heirloom rice landrace mostly grown in China, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Philippines and India [1]. This rice is highly rated in the market because of its huge nutritional value [2]. The main peculiarity of black rice is its anthocyanin which is both fat and water soluble. Earlier, it was believed that this rice enhance the longevity of life hence this rice is also known as long life rice. General people were forbidden to consume black rice except for emperiors and nobles in China, thus this rice is popularly known as forbidden rice. There exists no other rice with a higher nutritional spectrum near black rice. This rice is free of gluten, free of cholesterol, low in sugar, salt, and fat. Black rice is a whole grain, super nutritious type of rice that is high in fiber, anthocyanin, antioxidants, vitamins B and E, iron, thiamine, magnesium, niacin and phosphorous. A huge number of scientific studies show that black rice powder is one of the nature’s most well-balanced superfood and its abilities are truly remarkable. Black rice anthocyanins (BRACs) are extracted from the aleurone layer of black rice which is a major cereal crop existing since ancient times in China and other Eastern Asia countries [3]. American Health Association, the American Cancer Society and the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommended an increase in the consumption of black rice to prevent heart disease and certain kinds of cancers [4]. Black rice contains many vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin A, and vitamin B, which are beneficial for overall health and the prevention of heart disease [5]. The health benefits of black glutinous rice have recently been reported by several investigators. A recent report showed that anthocyanin supplementation in humans improves LDL and HDL levels [6] and can delay cancer development in rodents models of carcinogenesis [7]. The main purpose of this study was to compare the black rice quality in different altitudes. Materials and Methods