New Delhi: Rice, a staple diet of millions of people in Asia and other regions, is an often overlooked way to eat it. Health experts believe that the way rice is cooked and served determines whether it will act as sugar or as fiber in the body. Recently, nutritionist Deepshikha Jain told that a simple change can make rice more healthy.
Rice naturally contains starch, which is converted into glucose during digestion. This is why eating rice provides instant energy to the body. However, if this starch is digested quickly, blood sugar levels can rise rapidly. Therefore, the method of preparation and consumption of rice is important.
Freshly boiled hot rice is digested faster. Its starch immediately turns into glucose, which can increase insulin levels. According to Deepshikha Jain, regular consumption of rice in this way can lead to calorie overload and increase the risk of weight gain or diabetes, especially in prediabetic individuals.
When rice is cooled for 8 to 10 hours after cooking, the form of the starch present in it changes. It gets converted into resistant starch, which is not easily digested and acts like fiber. Due to this, the blood sugar level does not increase suddenly and the calorie intake also reduces.
Resistant starch is considered beneficial for the intestines. It makes you feel full for a longer period of time and helps control sugar levels. Deepshikha Jain explains that by eating cold rice, it behaves like fiber, which is beneficial for metabolic health.
Experts say it is not necessary to give up rice completely. It is more important to consume properly. After cooking the rice, cool it for a few hours and then eat it. Due to this, the nutrients of rice are preserved and its effect on the body is balanced.
The information given in this article is for general knowledge only. It is not a substitute for a qualified medical advice. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information.
