Navara rice
Encyclopedia
Navara rice is one of the many types of rice
found in India
, and is a unique grain plant in the Oryza group. Its origin is said to be somewhere in Kerala
, where it is regarded as endemic. In 2007-09, Geographical Indication
status was granted. (Typically, such classification indicates an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is primarily derived from a defined geographical region.)
There seems to have been about a hundred varieties of rice but only about 20 types are said to be existing. Navara is one of the 20.
It is said to have some kind of mineral and chemical composition which rejuvenates the muscles and tissues. It seems to have been an essential part of Ayurvedic treatment in the 15th century. Specifically, it is used in Panchakarma treatment. It is a muscle strengthening variety of rice and is used in a special treatment for neuromuscular disorders such as arthritis
, rheumatism
, back ache and other age related problems. Navara is also reported to provide benefits in the curing circulatory, respiratory, digestive and nervous system ailments. Molecular studies conducted by a team of scientists from the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) indicated the presence of a gene fragment encoding a protein which is reported to have anti-carcinogenic (chemo-preventive) property, especially against breast cancer. This protein, christened Bowman-Birk
Trypsin Inhibitor protein, is also known to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties in animals and is reported to be capable of imparting resistance to fungal pathogens and pests in crops. The KAU scientists pointed out that traditionally Navara was used in the ayurveda system of medicine for treatment of neurological disorders, arthritis and emaciation of limbs.
The rice is often powdered and then mixed with milk and taken in the form of a cereal
.
Navara also has religious significance and is sometimes used in temples for ceremonies.
Rice
Rice is the seed of the monocot plants Oryza sativa or Oryza glaberrima . As a cereal grain, it is the most important staple food for a large part of the world's human population, especially in East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and the West Indies...
found in India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, and is a unique grain plant in the Oryza group. Its origin is said to be somewhere in Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
, where it is regarded as endemic. In 2007-09, Geographical Indication
Geographical indication
A geographical indication is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin...
status was granted. (Typically, such classification indicates an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is primarily derived from a defined geographical region.)
There seems to have been about a hundred varieties of rice but only about 20 types are said to be existing. Navara is one of the 20.
It is said to have some kind of mineral and chemical composition which rejuvenates the muscles and tissues. It seems to have been an essential part of Ayurvedic treatment in the 15th century. Specifically, it is used in Panchakarma treatment. It is a muscle strengthening variety of rice and is used in a special treatment for neuromuscular disorders such as arthritis
Arthritis
Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints....
, rheumatism
Rheumatism
Rheumatism or rheumatic disorder is a non-specific term for medical problems affecting the joints and connective tissue. The study of, and therapeutic interventions in, such disorders is called rheumatology.-Terminology:...
, back ache and other age related problems. Navara is also reported to provide benefits in the curing circulatory, respiratory, digestive and nervous system ailments. Molecular studies conducted by a team of scientists from the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) indicated the presence of a gene fragment encoding a protein which is reported to have anti-carcinogenic (chemo-preventive) property, especially against breast cancer. This protein, christened Bowman-Birk
Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor
In molecular biology, Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor family of proteins consist of eukaryotic proteinase inhibitors, belonging to MEROPS inhibitor family I12, clan IF. They mainly inhibit serine peptidases of the S1 family, but also inhibit S3 peptidases....
Trypsin Inhibitor protein, is also known to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties in animals and is reported to be capable of imparting resistance to fungal pathogens and pests in crops. The KAU scientists pointed out that traditionally Navara was used in the ayurveda system of medicine for treatment of neurological disorders, arthritis and emaciation of limbs.
The rice is often powdered and then mixed with milk and taken in the form of a cereal
Cereal
Cereals are grasses cultivated for the edible components of their grain , composed of the endosperm, germ, and bran...
.
Navara also has religious significance and is sometimes used in temples for ceremonies.