A Symbol of Life and Fertility for Centuries Rice provides most of the food for more than half of the world’s human population. About 94% of the world’s rice is produced and consumed in Asia, where it is a symbol of life and fertility - hence the origin of the widespread custom of throwing rice at bridal couples! A member of the grass family, rice was cultivated in China as early as 27 centuries B.C., and in Japan it is so important that even the Emperor joins in its ritual harvest. More than 25 species of rice exist, but one species - Oryza sativa - furnishes virtually all of the world’s rice. Rice Processing Destroys Many Nutrients Losses of Nutrients when Brown Rice is Processed to White Rice*Nutrient % Loss in White Rice Protein 11 Fat (includes lipids/sterols) 79 Fiber 67 Calcium 25 Phosphorus 57 Iron 50 Potassium 57 Thiamin 79 Riboflavin 40 Niacin 66 Alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) 84 *Composition of Foods, Agricultural Handbook No. 8, Agricultural Research Service, United States De