Making rice healthier
Two billion people suffer from what is known as “hidden hunger,” or micronutrient malnutrition. They get enough macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat) from their diet, but not enough micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) that are essential to good health.
Hidden hunger can result in more frequent and severe illness and complications during pregnancy, childbirth, infancy, and childhood.
Many people in Asia rely heavily on rice for most or their entire calorie needs because they cannot afford or do not have access to a full range of nutritious food such as fruits, vegetables, and foods from animal sources (e.g., meat, dairy products, and eggs). As a result, lack of iron, zinc, and vitamin A has become prevalent micronutrient deficiencies in rice-consuming countries. The cost of these deficiencies in terms of lives and quality of life lost is enormous, and women and children are most at risk.