Michael P. wrote:

>Consider also that a
>vegetarian diet demands greater quanties of grains to balance proteins,
>right?

I think that argument has been debunked. At least vegetarians don't have to
eat them all at the same meal, maybe just over the course of the day.
Something like that. (Speaking as a devil-may-care vegetarian.)

I'm sure you're right about regional differences and preferences in rice. What
I find interesting is that Asian populations are so taken with white, polished
rice. Seems to me perfectly analagous to Western white breads; so many
nutrients and fiber have been stripped away.

I use brown rice here at home, FWIW, and order it at Asian restaurants when
available.

Joe Kubera