In conclusion, this study found wide diversity in the phenolics,
flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacity in the whole rice grain.
These data provide opportunities to further increase the content of
phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity by breeding, especially
in white rice. Their relationships with grain color, grain size
and 100-grain weight could serve as indexes to indirectly select rice
breeding lines high in phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant
capacity. The results could provide rice breeders and eventually
commercial rice producers, with new opportunities to promote the
production of rice with enhanced levels of the phytochemicals. Rice
genotypes rich in phytochemicals may be incorporated into functional
foods.