21 REASONS TO PURCHASE AKSHATA RICE

1. AKSHATA RICE IS NON-GENETICALLY MODIFIED

The “non-GMO” claim means that the food is made without ingredients that were derived from genetically engineered organisms.

This proves our claim that our seeds are over a 1,000 years old preserved and handed down through generations.

                  Why it matters

The most widely grown genetically engineered crop varieties have been engineered to withstand the application of the herbicide glyphosate. Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide which effectively kills or suppresses all plants, including grasses, perennials, vines, shrubs and trees. With genetically engineered glyphosate-tolerant crops, farmers can spray glyphosate directly on the crops, which would otherwise have been damaged or killed by the herbicide.

The widespread use of glyphosate has led to the emergence of weeds that are resistant to it. As of 2012, roughly half of farms contain at least one glyphosate-tolerant species of weed, with more than a quarter having two or more glyphosate-tolerant weed species. This has led farmers to spray more glyphosate, and spray other herbicides as well, such as 2,4-D and dicamba.

the widespread kidney decease in Sri Lanka is absolute proof of this

This is why Akshata focuses only on non genetically modifies rice varieties with medicinal properties which is wholesome and not contaminated with toxins

The Akshata  family consists of  200 Farmers divided into clusters representing hundreds of acres of fertile paddy land. Akshata  works directly with the farmer providing them the seeds, compost organic  fertilizer, technical know-how on sustainable farming and the use of alternatives to hazardous chemicals while purchasing the paddy at three times the price of the normal hybrid varieties of rice.

this brought prosperity to many of our clusters and attracted a younger generation of farmer which is our most proudest achievement.

3) Akshata Rice Helps Reduce/prevention of Diabetic Conditions –
The High Fiber Content in these verities of Rice reduces the glycemic index (GI) to less than 55 which is known as Low GI , as a result it reduces absorption of Glucose to the Body. Several lines of recent scientific evidence have shown that individuals who followed a low-GI diet over many years were at a significantly lower risk for developing both type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and age-related macular degeneration than others** also please see the study by the Department of Food Science and Technology Faculty of Agriculture University of Peradeniya4) Reduces Cardio-vascular diseases –
Rice bran contain natural antioxidents such as oryzanol and tocotrienols. This property also reduces the cardio -vascular diseases.
One type of phytonutrient especially abundant in these types of rice are plant lignans, which are converted by friendly flora in our intestines into mammalian lignans, including one called enterolactone that is thought to protect against breast and other hormone-dependent cancers as well as heart disease.5) Antioxidant properties –It is concluded in a study done by the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) (No.10715TG6) that, brans of Sri Lankan traditional red rice possess marked antioxidant properties and consumption may play an important role in prevention of oxidative stress associated chronic diseases. The most startling discovery is that it has more antioxidants than green tea which is significant advantage when promoting the rice** also please see the study by the Department of Food Science and Technology Faculty of Agriculture University of Peradeniya4) Micronutrient deficiencies/iron deficiency anemia –
affect all age groups in the country & influences the productivity- economic loss estimated 1.1% of GDP per capita, since our verities have high iron content and with low phytates and tannings, it is boosts energy levels5) Helps Reduce/Prevent Fatty Liver –
The researchers, led by David Ludwig, MD, PhD, director of the Optimal Weight for Life program at Children’s Hospital Boston, fed mice either a high- or a low-glycemic index diet. After six months mice on the low-glycemic index diet were lean, with normal amounts of fat in throughout their bodies. Mice on the high-glycemic index diet had twice the normal amount of fat in their bodies, blood and livers.
When sugar melts out of high-glycemic index food, it drives up production of insulin, which tells the body to make and store fat. Nowhere is this message felt more strongly than in the liver, because the pancreas, which makes insulin, dumps the hormone directly into the liver, where concentrations can be many times higher than in the rest of the body. Fat buildup in the liver, or fatty liver, is usually symptomless, but it increases the risk for liver inflammation, which can progress to hepatitis and, in some cases, liver failure.
Which is why LOW GI foods are best for your health and what better meal than our traditional Rice with Low GI.6) Best Source for Vitamin B –
Since Traditional rice has most of B complex vitamins, Minerals, amonino acid etc., its popularity is fast increasing. The B complex group plays various roles in the body’s ability to produce energy. Our rice contains varying amounts of vitamins B1 through B6
For example Vitamin B6 is essential for the proper maintenance of red blood cell metabolism, the nervous system, the immune system, and many other bodily functions. Over time, a deficiency in vitamin B-6 can lead to skin inflammation (dermatitis) depression, confusion, convulsions, and even anemia. Recent studies also suggest that a diet low in vitamin B6 increases risk of heart attack.
Rice bran contains the most vitamin B6 with 4.07mg per 100g serving, or 4.80mg (240% DV) per cup, 0.3mg (15% DV) per tablespoon. And It is the Number 1 food for Vitamin B6 beating Liver, Tuna, Pork etc!!

7) Its Gluten-Free..!! –
while gluten — a protein found in common grains such as wheat (BREAD), barley, and rye — has been a hot health topic, it’s much more than just a fad, For many people, foods with gluten can lead to severe digestive issues and, over time, serious conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and intestinal cancers

8) Essential for Vegetarians –
Brown rice protein powder provides a supplemental source of dietary protein for vegetarians and/or vegans who cannot use animal proteins. Due to advances in protein extraction methods, brown rice protein can successfully be separated from the grain or starch. A typical product may contain anywhere from 20 to 24g of protein per one scoop serving. Since protein is an essential macro-nutrient often lacking in vegetarians, protein powders can help fill the nutritional gap

9) Allergen Free –
Some individuals simply cannot tolerate egg, milk and soy-derived protein due to allergies. For example, the milk sugar called lactose can cause severe allergic reactions that result in unwanted gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, bloating, diarrhea or vomiting. Traditional rice , contains no gluten, its organic and contains no artificial colors, sweeteners or filler but its tastes and has an Aroma that is exquisite.

10) Muscle recovery –
Muscles are structures made mostly from protein. Intense physical training or simply every day activities cause muscle to breakdown. The body uses dietary proteins to provide the amino acids for rebuilding the muscles, the proteins of Traditional rice are more slowly digested than whey or egg proteins, so its not only better but it also contains all of the necessary amino acids

11) Blood Sugar-
Blood sugar will spike in response to carbohydrate based foods thereby causing the pancreas to secrete the hormone insulin to facilitate the storage of circulating nutrients. Large insulin spikes that result from high or simple carbohydrate-containing meals (e.g. white rice, white bread or sweets) may trigger fat storage and may lead to insulin resistance according to “The Fat Burning Bible” by Mackie Shilstone. This can also lead to subsequent drastic drops in blood sugar which result in fatigue. Having Traditional Rice helps to regulate this blood sugar and insulin effect to potentially prevent body fat storage.

12) Protects from Free Radicals-
Just one cup of brown rice will provide you with 88.0% of the daily value for manganese. This trace mineral helps produce energy from protein and carbohydrates and is involved in the synthesis of fatty acids, which are important for a healthy nervous system, and in the production of cholesterol, which is used by the body to produce sex hormones. Manganese is also a critical component of a very important antioxidant enzyme called superoxide dismutase. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is found inside the body’s mitochondria (the oxygen-based energy factories inside most of our cells) where it provides protection against damage from the free radicals produced during energy production.

13) Reduces/controls Weight –
People eating Traditional Brown Rice do not put on weight. The high percentage of fiber and lecithin content present in it doesn’t change much into Carbohydrates. Where as the white rice and bread devoid of these contents makes you fat quickly.

In a study published by Harvard Medical School / Brigham and Women’s Hospital,they collected data on over 74,000 female nurses aged 38-63 years over a 12 year period, they noticed weight gain was inversely associated with the intake of high-fiber, whole-grain foods but positively related to the intake of refined-grain foods like white rice/bread etc. Not only did women who consumed more whole grains consistently weigh less than those who ate less of these fiber-rich foods, but those consuming the most dietary fiber from whole grains were 49% less likely to gain weight compared to those eating foods made from refined grains.

14) Rich in Fiber and Selenium-
For people worried about colon cancer risk, Traditional Brown rice packs a double punch by being a concentrated source of the fiber needed to minimize the amount of time cancer-causing substances spend in contact with colon cells, and being a very good source of selenium, a trace mineral that has been shown to substantially reduce the risk of colon cancer.

In addition to supplying 14.0% of the daily value for fiber, a cup also provides 27.3% of the DV for selenium, an important benefit since millions do not get enough selenium in their diets, yet this trace mineral is of fundamental importance to human health.

15) Lower Cholesterol levels-
The oil in whole tradional brown rice lowers cholesterol.“Marlene Most” from Louisiana State University evaluated the effects of brown rice bran and rice bran oil on cholesterol levels in volunteers with moderately elevated cholesterol levels, they found that rice bran oil lowered their LDL (bad) cholesterol

16) Anti Biotic-
Magnesium, another nutrient for which Tradional rice is a good source, has been shown in studies to be helpful for reducing the severity of asthma, lowering high blood pressure, reducing the frequency of migraine headaches, and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Magnesium helps regulate nerve and muscle tone by balancing the action of calcium. In many nerve cells, magnesium serves as Nature’s own calcium channel blocker, preventing calcium from rushing into the nerve cell and activating the nerve. By blocking calcium’s entry, magnesium keeps our nerves (and the blood vessels and muscles they ennervate) relaxed. Insufficient magnesium can thus contribute to high blood pressure, muscle spasms (including spasms of the heart muscle or the spasms of the airways symptomatic of asthma), and migraine headaches, as well as muscle cramps, tension, soreness and fatigue.

17) Protective against Breast Cancer:
When researchers looked at how much fiber 35,972 participants in the UK Women’s Cohort Study ate, they found a diet rich in fiber from whole grains, such as traditional brown rice, and fruit offered significant protection against breast cancer for pre-menopausal women.

18) Helps Prevent Gallstones:
Eating foods high in insoluble fiber, such as Traditional brown rice, can help women avoid gallstones, shows a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Studying the overall fiber intake and types of fiber consumed over a 16 year period by over 69,000 women in the Nurses Health Study, researchers found that those consuming the most fiber overall (both soluble and insoluble) had a 13% lower risk of developing gallstones compared to women consuming the fewest fiber-rich foods.

19) Akshata products are Arsenic free;

our rice varieties are grown with khomba seeds etc being used as pesticides and compost fertilizer with strict checks carried out constantly by our field officers

we do not label our products as Organic as it is misleading the consumer as no rice grown in Sri Lanka is 100% percent organic as water from nearby paddy fields will most certainly seep in.

The above details summarized below will show how Just one cup of Traditional Brown rice can be substituted for many other foods far more expensive or unavailable in Sri Lanka.

20)System of Rice Intensification (SRI) practices

21)

Nutrients Rich In Traditional Rice	Positive effects of the Nutrients	Other foods Rich with the Nutrients
Selenium	a cup of  provides 27.3% of the DV for selenium !an important trace mineral known to drastically reduce  certain forms of cancer, as well as heart disease, inflammatory conditions and rheumatoid arthritis	Brazil Nuts ,Sunflower Seed, tuna, halibut, sardines, flounder, salmon, Meat (Beef, liver, lamb, pork), wheat germ, barley,  oats
Manganese	Just one cup  will provide  with 88.0% of the daily value for four the nervous and reproductive systemsIt also acts as a co-factor for more than 300 enzymes, including enzymes involved in the body’s use of glucose and insulin secretion	Cocoa Powder and Dark Chocolate, Flax, Sesame Seeds, and Sesame Butter, Mussels, Oysters, and Clams
Naturally Occurring Oils	These heart-healthy oils reduces LDL forms of cholesterol	Corn, olives, Avocado, coconut, palm
phytochemicals	Studies show that six servings weekly can lower the creation of arterial plaque build-up and reduce chances of developing heart disease and high cholesterol. Simply because it  contains disease-fighting phytochemicals	oats, barley, quinoa, sorghum, spelt, rye, corn
Antioxidant	Gone is the myth that the best  antioxidants are blueberries and green tea, the ITI study shown above debunked this theory.	Cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, green tea, artichokes, Pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts
Fiber	Just one a cup  provides 14.0% of the daily value for fiberBecause of its fiber-richness and ability to keep healthy bowel function, the  rice will “keeps things moving” in a way that promotes weight-loss and metabolic function. After one bowl of our rice, you’ll feel more full despite eating a smaller amount of food.	Corn, flax seeds, wheat, beans, figs, avocados, papaya
Low GI	Unlike white  rice/white bread, These traditional Verities can help keep blood sugar stabilized as it releases sugars slowly and in a sustained fashion. new research shows that individuals who eat at least two servings of brown rice weekly can reduce their chances of developing diabetes 2 by up to 11 percent.	Green Peas, sweet corn, carrots, Broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes,Whole milk, cherries, apples
Phosphorous	an essential nutrient required for proper cell functioning, regulation of calcium, strong bones and teeth, and for making ATP (adenosine triphosphate) a molecule which provides energy to our cells. A deficiency in phosphorus can lead to lowered appetite, anemia, muscle pain, improper bone formation (rickets), numbness, and a weakened immune system.	Oats, Cheese, sesame seeds
Iron	It is a part of proteins and enzymes found throughout our body, including hemoglobin and myoglobin, both of which help carry oxygen in the blood. Iron is an important component of the muscles	Red meat, Egg yolks, Dark, leafy greens (spinach, collards) ,Dried fruit (prunes, raisins) , Mollusks (oysters, clams, scallops)
Vitamin B6	Promotes a healthy central nervous and immune system. Aids in normal cellular growth and healthy skin. Helps to turn food into energy.	wheat germ, organ meats, chicken, eggs, fish, brewer’s yeast, carrots, peas, spinach, sunflower seeds, and walnuts.
Tryptophan	An essential Amino Acid which are building blocks of protein	cottage cheese, meat, peanuts, and sesame seeds
Calories	basic unit of energy found in all foods and are necessary to maintain the body’s vital functions	Junk Food , fried food, Soybean, Peanut, Palm, Olive, Lard, Tallow, Fish Oil
Vitamin B1	Healthy heart & nervous system, optimizes  metabolism & brain function. Aids in circulation, blood formation, growth, muscle tone, energy and learning. May be helpful protecting against Alzheimer’s disease	oats and yeast. Vegetables, legumes, seeds and nuts. Poultry, fish and liver.
Vitamin B3	Healthy nervous system, skin, tongue, and digestive system. Aids in better blood circulation and energy. Lowers the bad LDL cholesterol levels and increases the good HDL
Unsaponifiables	A Natural remedy popular with arthritis patients	Avocado, Soybean
phytonutrients	anti-inflammatory promotes healthy  liver funtion	Herbs, spices ,blackberries , cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, papaya, and melon
lignans	lowers cancer risk by preventing pre-cancerous cellular changes, as well as slow down the progression and movement of cancer cells, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower LDL cholesterol levels	Flaxseed, sesame and pumpkin seeds, and rye
Amylose and Amylopectin content	provides a high fiber source with a low glycemic index. The more amylose present, the lower the glycemic index. Diabetics may benefit from a diet high in amylose because of the slower insulin response, which prevents quick spikes in glucose levels.Research is being conducted on the benefits of a high amylose diet in the prevention of colon cancer and heart disease.	Potatoes, barley
Potassium	essential nutrient used to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. A deficiency in potassium causes fatigue, irritability, and hypertension	Dried Apricots, white beans, bananas, fish, yougurt
Gamma Oryzanol	convinces cells to burn sugar in the bloodstream so it doesn’t get deposited as fat in the hips or stomach areas.lowers LDL cholesterol in individuals, reduces hyperlipidemia, triglycerides, increases testosterone levels, stimulate the release of endorphins (pain-relieving substances made in the body), and promote the growth of lean muscle tissue, increasing insulin sensitivity in diabetics	bran wheat, herbs
Starch (amylum)	54 g in a cup of brown riceOfcourse rice is  most common form of carbohydrate, good source of energy and the main source of a range of nutrients in our diet.	potatoes, bread, cereals and pasta
protein	Needed for bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. They are also building blocks for enzymes, hormones, and vitamins.Although some think Rice is less in Protien, considering one cup of milk contains only 8 g of protein, Traditional rice is certainly a better option