Going against the Grain & Health Watch

Could eating black rice help lower cholesterol and blood sugar? That’s the theory being tested in a new US study. Black rice is thought to have more health-boosting compounds than other types of rice. It contains powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins – also found in grapes,

blackberries and cherries – which reduce in ammation, lowering the risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and dementia.

In a new clinical trial at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in the US, patients will eat either one cup of black or brown rice a day for four weeks. Their levels of inflammation, cholesterol and insulin will then be compared.

HEALTH WATCH

• Constantly clearing your throat could harm it and vocal chords. US allergy experts say while throat clearing usually begins following a cold or respiratory infection, some people get into the habit of doing it, not realising it can cause inflammation that may lead to lasting damage.

• One part of your body can stay permanently bigger after you have a baby – and dieting won’t help. A US study has found feet can grow during pregnancy and may never go back to normal. The arch of the foot flattens out, possibly due to extra weight and increased looseness of joints.