Chinese scientists have engineered a new variety of rice, called 'tea rice,' enriched with catechin, a key antioxidant found in green tea. This innovation aims to provide the health benefits of green tea without the caffeine.
Catechins, a type of polyphenol in tea, possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardioprotective properties. They are also believed to regulate blood pressure, aid in weight loss, and lower cardiovascular disease risk.
The research, published in the Plant Biotechnology Journal, details the genetic modification of rice to increase its catechin content. Green tea, with its high catechin levels, is highlighted as a source of these beneficial compounds. The absence of caffeine in 'tea rice' is presented as a significant advantage over green tea consumption.