http://www.skynews.com.au/health/article.aspx?id=505430&articleID=

Black rice - revered in ancient China but overlooked in the West - could be one of the greatest 'superfoods', scientists say.

The cereal is low in sugar but packed with healthy fibre and plant compounds that combat heart disease and cancer, say experts.

Centuries ago it was known as 'Forbidden Rice' in ancient China because only nobles were allowed to eat it.

Today black rice is mainly used in Asia for food decoration, noodles, sushi and deserts.

Food scientist Dr Zhimin Xu said: 'Just a spoonful of black rice bran contains more health promoting anthocyanin antioxidants than are found in a spoonful of blueberries, but with less sugar, and more fibre and vitamin E antioxidants.

'If berries are used to boost health, why not black rice and black rice bran?

'Especially, black rice bran would be a unique and economical material to increase consumption of health-promoting antioxidants.'

Bran is the hard outer coating of a cereal grain that is often removed during processing.

Research suggests that plant antioxidants, which mop up harmful molecules, can help protect arteries and prevent the DNA damage that leads to cancer.