LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — Studies conducted by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has found three new rice varieties with low glycemic indexes (GI), which may be helpful for controlling blood sugar levels, especially for people with diabetes.

Researchers at PhilRice's partner International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) found low-GI rice variety NSIC Rc 182 has shown qualities of controlling blood sugar levels from the results of their advanced invitro laboratory tests that simulated human digestion.

According to PhilRice, the NSIC Rc 182 findings were used as a reference in their own study led by food scientist Marissa Romero and found three rice varieties with the same GI as NSIC Rc 182—these are NSIC Rc 472, PSB Rc 10, and Rc 514.

Romero disclosed that the said varieties are what local farmers usually produce due to their high yield and resilience in the face of diverse weather conditions.

"Farmers already prefer these varieties, and our study confirmed that they have relatively low GI," she noted.
"GI measures how fast our food raises blood sugar. The polished white rice with a GI of 70 and above can increase the risk of diabetes," the food scientist added.

She explained that while white rice is the primary carbohydrate source for most Filipinos, excessive consumption of the staple may contribute to a person's likelihood to develop diabetes.

In ending, Romero asserted that low-GI rice would help mitigate the increase in sugar levels or help people manage their medical condition.