T.N. government to increase awareness of benefits of fermented rice

After a five-year-long research by doctors of Government Stanley Medical College Hospital (SMCH) demonstrated the health benefits of Pazhaiya Soru (fermented rice), the State’s Health Department is set to increase awareness and take the message to the public, Health Minister Ma. Subramanian said on Monday.

Taking part in a scientific programme focusing on the health benefits of fermented rice at SMCH, the Minister said the research found that it provided several nutrients to the body, and contained beneficial bacteria and micro-nutrients.

It contains dietary fibre, resistant starch, protein and micro-nutrients such as iron, zinc, selenium, and B-complex vitamins.

It promotes gut-health and helps recover from various gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.

He said a Department of Regenerative Medicine and Research was established at SMCH at ₹2.44 crore in 2022. The research on fermented rice was taken up by S. Jeswanth, professor and head, Surgical Gastroenterology, SMCH.

Doctors have spent years interacting with people who had consumed fermented rice and documented its benefits.