Byproduct of Native Rice Wine in the Philippines May Unlock New Health Benefits
In the Philippines, researchers Edward Kevin B. Bragais from the Ateneo de Manila University and Paul Mark B. Medina from the University of the Philippines published a study on how the byproduct of tapuy, a native rice wine, may hold the key to having a longer life.
Made from a mixture of black and white glutinous rice, tapuy is fermented with a starter culture locally referred to as “bubod.” After a month of the fermentation process, solid residues from the tapuy called “lees” are then filtered out and are traditionally thrown out.
Lees are typically made up of rice residues, yeast, and other microbial byproducts. Through the study conducted via animal testing, the researchers found that different starter cultures can have different effects on the lees or solid residues from winemaking. In their study, the researchers tested lees from Ballatinao black rice, the Cordillera region’s heirloom grain, using fruit flies.
During the process, the researchers found that the Ballatinao black rice lees produced the highest amount of antioxidants and polyphenols which can lessen oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell damage. The tapuy lee extracts were also fed to the fruit flies which improved their gut microbiota and increased the enzyme that extended their lifespan.
The researchers noted that the effects of the tapuy lees were comparable to that of inulin, a popular commercial prebiotic. In their study, the researchers stated, “Given that tapuy lees are rich in proteins, fibers, and antioxidants, and that they support probiotic gut bacteria, they could be an inexpensive and sustainable source of health-boosting nutrients.”
It is worth noting that the most potent tapuy uses Ballatinao black rice, and the drink is already known for being rich in antioxidants.
Although the results of the study showed the potential and possibility of repurposing tapuy lees instead of discarding them, the researchers emphasized that their preliminary findings are based on animal tests and that further research and clinical trials are needed to examine its benefits in humans. If further studies are done and the effects are confirmed, tapuy lees could greatly contribute to the global wellness industry.
