Exploring the Impact of Fermentation on Brown Rice: Health Benefits and Value-Added Foods—A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis

The escalating global incidence of obesity and chronic diet-related disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, malignancies, and celiac disease, has intensified the focus on dietary factors and disease risks. Rice, a dietary staple for billions, is under scrutiny, particularly polished or white rice, which is high in starch and in the glycemic index and low in nutrition due to the removal of the outer bran layer during milling. This study critically analyzes the comparison between whole brown rice (BR) and milled white rice in terms of health benefits. A significant finding is the enhancement of food nutrition through fermentation, which improves protein digestibility and mineral availability and releases peptides and amino acids. The study also highlights the increased antibacterial and antioxidant activity of foods, including health benefits, through fermentation. A comprehensive review of existing data on the nutritional content and health advantages of whole fermented BR grains is presented, alongside experiments in developing fermented BR-based foods. The safety, preservation, and the economic and environmental advantages of consuming regularly fermented BR instead of white or unfermented BR are discussed. Finally, the paper addresses the commercialization challenges and future opportunities for promoting fermented BR as a healthier food alternative.