Rice peptide is a small molecule peptide mixture prepared from rice protein through enzymatic hydrolysis, separation, purification and other processes. It has various physiological functions and application values. The following provides a detailed introduction from the aspects of source, structure, characteristics, functions and applications:
1、 Source and Preparation
Raw materials: High quality rice (such as brown rice and rice protein powder) is the main raw material, which is rich in protein and an ideal source for preparing peptides.
Preparation process: Proteases (such as alkaline protease, neutral protease, etc.) are usually used to hydrolyze rice protein, breaking down large molecule proteins into small molecule peptide segments; Through techniques such as centrifugation, filtration, and membrane separation, impurities are removed to obtain high-purity rice peptides.
2、 Structure and Characteristics
Molecular structure: Composed of 2-10 amino acids connected by peptide bonds, with a molecular weight generally below 1000 daltons, it has the characteristics of good water solubility and easy digestion and absorption.
Physical and chemical properties:
Water solubility: It has high solubility in water and can be made into solutions or powders, making it easy to add to various foods or health products.
Stability: Acid and heat resistant, able to maintain structural stability under high temperature, acidic or alkaline conditions, suitable for various processing techniques.
Low antigenicity: After enzymatic hydrolysis, the antigenic epitopes of the protein are destroyed, significantly reducing the risk of allergies, making it suitable for people with allergies to consume.
3、 Main functions
Promote protein absorption: Small molecule peptides can be directly absorbed by the intestine, with higher efficiency than large molecule proteins, and can quickly provide amino acid nutrition to the human body, especially suitable for postoperative rehabilitation and people with weak digestive function.
Enhancing immunity: Studies have shown that rice peptides can regulate immune cell activity, promote antibody production, and enhance the body’s resistance.
Antioxidant effect: Contains various amino acids with antioxidant activity (such as histidine, tyrosine, etc.), which can clear free radicals in the body, reduce oxidative damage, and delay cell aging.
Lowering blood pressure: Some rice peptides have angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, which can inhibit vascular constriction and assist in lowering blood pressure, making them suitable for daily health care for people with hypertension.
Regulating blood sugar: It can improve insulin resistance, promote glucose metabolism, and have a certain auxiliary effect on blood sugar regulation (depending on individual circumstances).
Protecting the liver: can alleviate liver damage, promote liver cell repair, and have a certain protective effect on alcoholic liver injury, etc.
4、 Application Fields
Food industry:
Functional foods: added to beverages, milk powder, and nutrition bars to make high protein, easily absorbable functional foods, such as sports nutrition drinks, nutritional supplements for the elderly, etc.
Seasoning: Using its freshness and solubility as a food additive to improve taste, such as a flavor enhancer for soy sauce and soup.
Health product industry:
Made into oral tablets, capsules, or powders as health products that enhance immunity, resist oxidation, and lower blood pressure.
Mix with other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals to develop composite nutrients.
In the field of medicine:
As a pharmaceutical raw material, it is used to prepare functional drugs for the treatment of diseases such as liver disease and hypertension (some research is still in the clinical trial stage).
Used for preparing enteral nutrition preparations to provide nutritional support for patients who are unable to eat normally.
Cosmetics industry:
Due to its antioxidant and moisturizing properties, it is added to skin care products, such as facial mask and lotion, to help delay skin aging and improve skin texture.
5、 Safety and dietary recommendations
Safety: Rice peptides are derived from natural ingredients and have high safety after processing. They generally have no side effects and are suitable for most people to consume.
Suggested consumption:
When used for health purposes, it is recommended to determine the daily intake according to the product instructions or consult a professional to avoid excessive intake.
Special populations (such as pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children) should consult a doctor or nutritionist before consumption.
6、 Market and Research Status
Currently, rice peptide related products are gradually increasing in both domestic and international markets, especially widely used in the fields of functional foods and health products. With the deepening of research on its physiological functions, the potential for future applications in fields such as medicine and cosmetics will also be further developed.