Question

Nutritional quality of rice
(A) Rice alone accounts for 40 % of the protein in Asian diet
(B) In India rice provide 25 % of our protein requirement
(C) It is a poor source of protein (6-8%)
(D) Among cereal protein, rice protein is biologically the richest
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D).
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

Rice nutritional aspects:
Staple food, so contributes significantly to total protein intake in Asia/India despite lower concentration (A, B True).
Protein concentration is modest, around 6-8% (C True).
Protein quality (biological value, amino acid balance) is considered good, often among the best for cereals (D True).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Let's evaluate each statement about the nutritional quality of rice:
[(A)] Rice alone accounts for 40 % of the protein in Asian diet. This statement is plausible. Rice is a staple food for a vast majority of the Asian population. While its protein content per gram is not very high, the sheer quantity consumed daily means it contributes significantly to the total protein intake in many Asian diets. Figures around 30-50% are often cited depending on the specific region and dietary patterns. So, 40% is a reasonable estimate. This is likely true.
[(B)] In India rice provide 25 % of our protein requirement. Similar to (A), given that rice is a major staple in India, it contributes a substantial portion of the average protein intake. 25% is a plausible figure for its contribution to protein needs for a large segment of the population. This is likely true.
[(C)] It is a poor source of protein (6-8%). Milled rice typically contains about 6-8% protein on a dry weight basis (or slightly less on as-is basis). Compared to legumes or meat, this percentage is low, so it can be considered a "poor" or "modest" source in terms of concentration. This statement is true in terms of protein concentration.
[(D)] Among cereal protein, rice protein is biologically the richest. "Biologically richest" refers to protein quality, often assessed by amino acid composition and digestibility (e.g., Biological Value, Protein Efficiency Ratio). Rice protein, while not high in quantity, has a relatively good balance of essential amino acids compared to some other cereals like wheat (which is lower in lysine) or maize (lower in lysine and tryptophan). Rice protein is often considered to have one of the highest biological values among common cereal proteins. This statement is generally considered true. Since all four statements (A, B, C, and D) appear to be true or highly plausible based on general nutritional knowledge about rice, option (3) is the most appropriate choice. (A), (B), (C) and (D).