Oryza sativa, commonly known as Asian rice, is the plant species most commonly referred to in English as rice. Oryza sativa is a grass with a genome consisting of 430Mb across 12 chromosomes. It is renowned for being easy to genetically modify, and is a model organism for cereal biology.

Oryza sativa contains two major subspecies: the sticky, short-grained japonica or sinica variety, and the nonsticky, long-grained indica rice variety. Japonica varieties are usually cultivated in dry fields (it is ...

oryza sativa

What's-a-miso?

What's a miso?

What's-a-miso?_0_0

This traditional Japanese spice consists of a thick paste from soybeans fermented with salt and koji starter culture. The starter usually contains the fungus Aspergillus oryzae.

What's-a-miso?_0_1

Miso pasta can be used to prepare sauces and soup broth or to marinate vegetables and meat. People usually describe the taste of miso as a combination of salty and umami, and the color can vary between white, yellow, red, or brown, depending on the variety.

What's-a-miso?_0_2

Although miso is traditionally made from soybeans, some varieties use other types of beans or peas. Other ingredients, including rice, barley, rye, buckwheat, and hemp seeds, all of which affect the color and taste of the finished product, may be used to make it.

The-health-benefits-of-mso

The health benefits of mso

The-health-benefits-of-mso_1_0

Rich-in-several-nutrients

Rich in several nutrients

Rich-in-several-nutrients_1_0

Miso contains a large number of vitamins, minerals, and useful plant compounds. About 30 grams of it usually provides vitamin K, sodium, manganese, copper, zinc, a small number of calories, and carbohydrates.

Rich-in-several-nutrients_1_1

It also contains smaller amounts of B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, and phosphorus and is a source of choline. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.scienceopen.com/document?vid=f0cfb0bb-112e-49ed-a118-46890bffe429" target="_blank" data-ref="Tu2021 Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Novel Probiotic Yeasts Isolated From Japanese &ldquo;Miso&rdquo; on DSS-Induced Colitis" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

Rich-in-several-nutrients_1_2

Due to the fact that miso is obtained by fermentation, the nutrients contained in it are even easier to absorb from the body. The fermentation process also promotes the growth of probiotics, beneficial bacteria that provide a wide range of health benefits.

Miso-for-improving-digestion

Miso for improving digestion

Miso-for-improving-digestion_1_0

A. oryzae is the main probiotic strain found in miso. Research has shown that probiotics in this spice can help reduce symptoms associated with digestive problems, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Miso-for-improving-digestion_1_1

In addition, the fermentation process also helps to improve digestion by reducing the number of antinutrients in soybeans. Antinutrients are compounds naturally found in foodstuffs, including in soybeans and cereals used for the production of miso. If you consume antinutrients, they can bind to nutrients in the gut, reducing your body's ability to absorb them.

Miso-for-improving-digestion_1_2

Fermentation reduces the levels of antinutrients in miso and other fermented products, which helps to improve digestion.

Miso-may-act-anticancer-agent-in-some-type-of-cancers

Miso may act anticancer agent in some type of cancers

Miso-may-act-anticancer-agent-in-some-type-of-cancers_1_0

Miso-may-act-anticancer-agent-in-some-type-of-cancers_1_1

Observational studies have repeatedly found a link between diets high in salt and stomach cancer. Despite its high salt content, miso does not seem to increase the risk of stomach cancer in the way other foods high in salt do. For example, one study compared meat with salt-containing foods such as salted fish, processed meat, and marinated foods. Fish, meat, and marinated foods were associated with a 24-27% higher risk of stomach cancer, while miso was not associated with an increased risk. &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0261561412000052" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[Ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;

Miso-may-act-anticancer-agent-in-some-type-of-cancers_1_2

Experts believe this may be due to the beneficial compounds found in soybeans, which potentially counteract the cancer-stimulating effects of salt.

Miso-may-act-anticancer-agent-in-some-type-of-cancers_1_3

Even more curiously, in human studies, regular consumption of miso can reduce the risk of liver and breast cancer by 50-54%. Protection from breast cancer is especially useful for postmenopausal women, but not only. &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.20897" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

Other-health-benefits-of-miso

Other health benefits of miso

Other-health-benefits-of-miso_1_0

This Japanese spice can offer a number of other health benefits, including a beneficial effect on blood pressure; reducing cholesterol levels; development of type 2 diabetes and others.

Features-of-the-consumption-of-miso

Features of the consumption of miso 

Features-of-the-consumption-of-miso_1_0

Miso consumption is generally safe for most people. However, the spice contains a large amount of salt. Therefore, it may not be a good choice for people who need to limit their salt intake due to a medical condition.

Features-of-the-consumption-of-miso_1_1

Also, most varieties are made from soybeans, which can be considered goitrogen. Goitrogens are compounds that can interfere with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, especially in those who already have impaired thyroid function.

Features-of-the-consumption-of-miso_1_2

However, when foods containing goitrogen are cooked and consumed in moderation, they are rather safe for all people - even those with thyroid problems.

Miso is a versatile spice that is definitely worth having at hand if you want something different in your kitchen and dishes. The fermentation process used to produce it can be particularly useful, potentially boosting digestion, supporting the immune system and helping to fight diseases, including several types of cancer.

Miso - incredibly tasty and healthy fermented spice

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Myso - incredibly tasty and healthy fermented spice

Бетина Цветкова

What's-miso?

What's miso?

What's-miso?_0_0

This traditional Japanese spice consists of a thick paste made from soybeans that have been fermented with salt and koji starter culture. The starter usually contains the fungus Aspergillus oryzae.

What's-miso?_0_1

Miso pasta can be used to prepare sauces and soup broth or to marinate vegetables and meat. People usually describe the taste of miso as a combination of salty and umami, and the color can vary between white, yellow, red or brown, depending on the variety.

What's-miso?_0_2

What's-miso?_0_3

The-health-benefits-of-miso

The health benefits of miso

It also contains smaller amounts of B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, and phosphorus and is a source of choline. <a href="https://www.scienceopen.com/document?vid=f0cfb0bb-112e-49ed-a118-46890bffe429" target="_blank" data-ref="Tu2021 Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Novel Probiotic Yeasts Isolated From Japanese &ldquo;Miso&rdquo; on DSS-Induced Colitis" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

Miso-to-improve-digestion

Miso to improve digestion

Miso-to-improve-digestion_1_0

Miso-to-improve-digestion_1_1

Miso-to-improve-digestion_1_2

Miso-may-act-as-an-anticancer-agent-in-some-cancers

Miso may act as an anticancer agent in some cancers

Miso-may-act-as-an-anticancer-agent-in-some-cancers_1_0

Miso-may-act-as-an-anticancer-agent-in-some-cancers_1_1

Miso-may-act-as-an-anticancer-agent-in-some-cancers_1_2

Even more curiously, in human studies, regular consumption of ms can reduce the risk of liver and breast cancer by 50-54%. Protection from breast cancer is especially useful for postmenopausal women, but not only. &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.20897" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

Miso-may-act-as-an-anticancer-agent-in-some-cancers_1_3

Other-health-benefits-of-miso_2_0

Features of the consumption of miso

Features-of-the-consumption-of-miso_3_0

Features-of-the-consumption-of-miso_3_1

Features-of-the-consumption-of-miso_3_2

Miso is a versatile spice that is definitely worth having at hand if you want something different in your kitchen and dishes. The fermentation process used to produce it can be particularly useful, potentially boosting digestion, supporting the immune system, and helping to fight diseases, including several types of cancer.

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Folate-and-folic-acid---let's-clarify-the-terms

Folate and folic acid - let's clarify the terms

Folate-and-folic-acid---let's-clarify-the-terms_0_0

Folic acid is a man-made form of folate (vitamin B9).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/compound/167" target="_blank" data-ref="Folate" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp; Folate is found naturally in some fruits, vegetables and nuts. Folic acid is contained in vitamins and fortified foods.

Folate-and-folic-acid---let's-clarify-the-terms_0_1

Folic acid and folate help the body produce healthy new red blood cells. As you probably know, red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. If your body does not produce enough red blood cells, you can develop anemia.&nbsp;

Folate-and-folic-acid---let's-clarify-the-terms_0_2

Anemia occurs when the blood can not carry enough oxygen into the body. Because of this, the skin becomes pale, you become tired and tired. In addition, if you do not receive enough folic acid, you may develop folate-deficiency anemia.

Why-do-women-need-folic-acid?

Why do women need folic acid? 

Why-do-women-need-folic-acid?_0_0

Every person regardless of gender needs folic acid to be healthy. But it is especially important for women for the following reasons:

Why-do-women-need-folic-acid?_0_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Before and during pregnancy: Folic acid protects unborn children from serious birth defects called neural tube defects. These birth defects occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman realizes she is pregnant. Folic acid can also help prevent other types of birth defects and early pregnancy loss (miscarriage). &nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3218540/" target="_blank" data-ref="Page not available - PMCTwitterFacebookLinkedInGitHubSM-TwitterSM-FacebookSM-Youtube" rel="noopener">[Ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>

Why-do-women-need-folic-acid?_0_2

Why-do-women-need-folic-acid?_0_3

To keep the blood healthy, helping red blood cells to form and grow. Insufficient intake of folic acid can lead to folate-deficiency anemia. Folic deficiency anemia is more common in women of childbearing age than in men.

How-do-I-get-folic-acid?

How do I get folic acid? 

How-do-I-get-folic-acid?_0_0

People can get folic acid in two ways:

How-do-I-get-folic-acid?_0_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Through dietary sources: Folate is found naturally in some foods, including spinach, nuts and beans. Folic acid is found in fortified foods such as bread, pasta and cereals.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In the form of dietary supplements.</li></ul>

How-much-folic-acid-do-women-need?

How much folic acid do women need? 

How-much-folic-acid-do-women-need?_0_0

All women need 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. Women who may become pregnant should receive another 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid from vitamin supplements or from food with folic acid.&nbsp;

How-much-folic-acid-do-women-need?_0_1

Recommendations for some women may differ. For example, if the woman had a baby with a neural tube defect (such as spina bifida) and wants you to become pregnant again; if there is a family member with spina bifida and may become pregnant, the amounts may jump to 4000 micrograms.&nbsp;

How-much-folic-acid-do-women-need?_0_2

In women taking medicines to treat epilepsy, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, folic acid supplements may interact with these medicines and should only be prescribed.

Which-foods-contain-folate?

Which foods contain folate? 

Which-foods-contain-folate?_0_0

Folate is found naturally in some foods that you can include in your diet to provide optimal amounts. &nbsp;<a href="https://haematologica.org/article/view/8276" target="_blank" data-ref="		Folate dietary insufficiency and folic acid supplementation similarly impair metabolism and compromise hematopoiesis							| Haematologica			" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;Foods with a naturally high folate content include:

Which-foods-contain-folate?_0_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Spinach and other dark green, leafy vegetables</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Citrus juices</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nuts</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Beans</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Poultry meat (chicken, turkey, etc.) &nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Wholegrain cereals</li></ul>

Which-foods-contain-folate?_0_2

Which-foods-contain-folic-acid?

Which foods contain folic acid? 

Which-foods-contain-folic-acid?_0_0

Folic acid is added to foods that are refined or processed so that it can be found in:

Which-foods-contain-folic-acid?_0_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cereals (some types may have 100% of the recommended daily value - or 400 micrograms of folic acid per serving)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bread and pasta</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Flours</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Corn semolina</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">White rice &nbsp;<a href="https://www.scielo.br/j/ramb/a/6HzzW7pXtdLgpzRNvp8Jz3p/?lang=en" target="_blank" data-ref="Folic acid and diseases - supplement it or not?" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>

What-should-I-watch-out-for-when-buying-vitamins-with-folic-acid?

What should I watch out for when buying vitamins with folic acid? 

What-should-I-watch-out-for-when-buying-vitamins-with-folic-acid?_0_0

This is an important question that we need to ask ourselves when buying any food supplements, not just those with folate. Specifically for them, look for the abbreviation 'USP' or 'NSF' on the label when choosing vitamins. These abbreviations mean that the pills are made correctly and contain the amounts of vitamins indicated on the label.&nbsp;

What-should-I-watch-out-for-when-buying-vitamins-with-folic-acid?_0_1

Also, make sure that the product has not expired. If the bottle does not have a shelf life indicated, do not buy it.

Vitamin B9, also called folate or folic acid, is one of the 8 vitamins of group B. All B vitamins help the body to convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy. They also have other important roles in the body, and are necessary throughout life and are especially important for women of fertile age, as well as during pregnancy. There are many sources of folate - both dietary and in the form of supplements. It is always good to seek a doctor's opinion if higher amounts of folic acid from supplements should be taken.

Folic acid: Everything you need to know

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Sustainable-starch-in-the-diet---health-benefits

Sustainable starch in the diet - health benefits 

Sustainable-starch-in-the-diet---health-benefits_0_0

Resistant starch is a type&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/compound/180" target="_blank" data-ref="Starch" rel="noopener">of starch [ref. 1]</a> that passes through the small intestine and then ferments into the large intestine, where it feeds the beneficial intestinal bacteria called "probiotics". It can be bought as a fiber-like supplement and is naturally contained in a number of foods, including unripe bananas, oatmeal, boiled and chilled pasta, and rice, peas and beans.

Sustainable-starch-in-the-diet---health-benefits_0_1

This starch works as a type of soluble fiber and promotes the sensitivity to insulin of cells, helping to control blood sugar and control appetite.

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Sustainable-starch-in-the-diet---health-benefits_0_3

Besides all this, it turns out that resistant starch may have benefits associated with reducing the risk of inherited cancer. Dr John Mathers' team from Newcastle University in the UK came <a href="https://aacrjournals.org/cancerpreventionresearch/article/doi/10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-22-0044/707189/Cancer-Prevention-with-Resistant-Starch-in-Lynch" target="_blank" data-ref="Cancer Prevention with Resistant Starch in Lynch Syndrome Patients in the CAPP2-Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial: Planned 10-Year Follow-up" rel="noopener">to this conclusion</a>.&nbsp;

Prevention-of-cancer-with-persistent-starch---how-it-works

Prevention of cancer with persistent starch - how it works

Prevention-of-cancer-with-persistent-starch---how-it-works_1_0

The CAPP2 study examined the long-term effects of aspirin and resistant starch on cancer incidence in patients with Lynch syndrome. People who inherited the genes of Lynch syndrome have a significantly increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, as well as cancer of the stomach, endometrium, ovaries, pancreas, prostate, urinary tract, kidneys, bile ducts, small intestine, and brain. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431096/" target="_blank" data-ref="Page not available - NCBI BookshelfTwitterFacebookLinkedInGitHubNCBI Insights BlogTwitterFacebookYoutube" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

Prevention-of-cancer-with-persistent-starch---how-it-works_1_1

Participants were assigned to a randomized double-blind study in which there were two groups, one receiving 30 grams of persistent starch daily and the other receiving a placebo for up to 4 years. The scientists presented the long-term cancer development projections based on the planned 10-year follow-up from the start, complemented by data from the National Cancer Registry for up to 20 years in England, Wales, and Finland. Overall, 463 participants received persistent starch and 455 participants received a placebo, or a total of 918 people.

Prevention-of-cancer-with-persistent-starch---how-it-works_1_2

"We found that resistant starch reduced the risk of developing a number of cancers by over 60 percent.

Prevention-of-cancer-with-persistent-starch---how-it-works_1_3

The results are encouraging, and the degree of protective effect in the upper gastrointestinal tract is unexpected even for the scientists themselves. They are doing further research to establish their credibility. Cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract includes cancer of the esophagus, stomach, and pancreas.

Prevention-of-cancer-with-persistent-starch---how-it-works_1_4

Follow-up-of-capp2-study-results

Follow-up of capp2 study results

Follow-up-of-capp2-study-results_2_0

During the follow-up period, there were only 5 new cases of upper gastrointestinal cancer among the 463 people who took the resistant starch. This compares to 21 cases of upper digestive tract cancer among the 455 people in the placebo group &ndash; a pretty notable difference.

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"These results are extremely important as upper gastrointestinal cancer is difficult to diagnose and often not caught in time," the lead researcher said.

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However, there is one area in which persistent starch does not have the same positive effect, namely in the rate of bowel cancer.

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Researchers say that it is likely that resistant starch can reduce the development of cancer by changing the bacterial metabolism of bile acids and reducing these types of bile acids, which can damage our DNA and ultimately cause cancer. However, further research is needed to make a firm statement in this regard.

Follow-up-of-capp2-study-results_2_4

One final clarification to note is that this study was conducted on people who are already genetically predisposed to cancer development and do not necessarily apply to the general public. The original study was named CAPP2, and now the team is conducting a follow-up called CaPP3 involving more than 1,800 people with Lynch syndrome.

Follow-up-of-capp2-study-results_2_5

The initial study also looked at whether taking aspirin on a daily basis could reduce the risk of cancer. As early as 2020, the team published results showing that aspirin reduces the risk of colorectal cancer in patients with Lynch syndrome by 50 percent. &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0140673620303664" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[Ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;

Patients with Lynch syndrome are at high risk of developing several types of cancer, and several studies have found that aspirin and resistant starch can significantly reduce the risk. New studies are also underway to extend the results so far. In the meantime, you can take advantage of the health effects of this type of starch by eating more brown rice, potatoes, oatmeal, and slightly green bananas.

Dietary supplement reduces risk of hereditary cancer by 60%, according to scientists

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Dietary supplement reduces risk of inherited cancer by 60%, study says

What-is-sorghum-(Sorghum-bicolor)

What is sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)

What-is-sorghum-(Sorghum-bicolor)_0_0

Sorghum bicolor is a less well-known grain on the global food market. It ranks in the distant fifth place among most famous cereals - after barley, rice, wheat and corn. Although less popular, sorghum is an important culture that has long played a vital role in certain diets.

What-is-sorghum-(Sorghum-bicolor)_0_1

Other names for sorghum include large millet, Indian millet and jowar. This is a grass plant believed to originate in Africa, where it remains a major crop. It is grown and sold for a number of purposes except for human consumption. Sorghum is a popular food for animals as well as emerging biofuel.

What-is-sorghum-(Sorghum-bicolor)_0_2

Today, more than 500 million people in more than 30 different countries rely on sorghum as a key part of their diet. Many people also look at sorghum because of its unique characteristics. In particular, those with celiac disease are attracted to sorghum as it is a gluten-free culture.

What-is-sorghum-(Sorghum-bicolor)_0_3

In addition, small grains of sorghum are rich in fiber, great food for diabetics, a source of protein, abound in essential minerals and antioxidants.

What-is-sorghum-(Sorghum-bicolor)_0_4

Nutritional-profile-of-sorghum---what-it-contains

Nutritional profile of sorghum - what it contains 

Nutritional-profile-of-sorghum---what-it-contains_1_0

Sorghum can be cooked and eaten in many ways, but it is also often processed into ingredients for other dishes. A quarter cup of whole grain sorghum contains approximately the following nutritional values:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Calories: 163 kcal</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Protein: 5 grams</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fat: 2 grams</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Carbohydrates: 36 grams</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fiber: 3 grams</li></ul>One of the most important trace elements in sorghum is iron. A quarter cup of sorghum contains approximately 12% of the recommended daily dose, so vegetarians and vegans can emphasize the consumption of this crop. Other trace elements found in sorghum include:

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Nutritional-profile-of-sorghum---what-it-contains_1_3

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Potassium</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Niacin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Thiamin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vitamin B6</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Phosphorus</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Manganese</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Magnesium</li></ul>

Different-types-of-sorghum---what-are-they-used-for

Different types of sorghum - what are they used for

Different-types-of-sorghum---what-are-they-used-for_2_0

Several types of sorghum can be used in different recipes:

Due to the presence of fiber and minerals, antioxidants and anticancer components, sorghum is a very interesting culture that finds a well-deserved place in a healthy way of eating. An excellent source of plant protein and gluten-free, sorghum is a great food to improve our immune system and general health.