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| (Diagram by Mikhail Haggstrom) |
Although “Uncle Ben” has been a symbol of oppression, “Doctor Ben” might very well be a symbol of empowerment.
The latter name could refer to
a new form of rice, one that’s been
genetically altered in order to regulate blood pressure. Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, has
long been a significant health
concern. Pharmaceutical ACE inhibitors, which
are used to combat this condition, often
have deleterious side effects. These can range from “skin rashes” all the way to “kidney
impairment.”
Researchers have instead
“introduced a gene to rice plants that
consisted of ACE-inhibitory peptides.” This has induced the plants to make their own “high levels
of the peptides.”
Rats that were fed this ACE-inhibiting
rice have thus far shown no harmful side
effects. If this were to work with humans, they
would need only small amounts of the rice in
order to reap healthful
benefits.
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Copyright July 1, 2020 by Linda Van Slyke All Rights Reserved
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