Is rice good for your health or not?

There is a lot of debate on whether it’s good or bad; let’s know more about the ultimate comfort food.

Rice is a staple food for a majority of Asian countries. But there are certain stereotypes associated with eating rice. It makes you fat, it makes you lazy, and it increases the blood sugar levels. So, what’s the truth? Is it good or not? Let’s find out.

Brown vs white rice

In layman language, Brown rice is unrefined; it is a whole grain which contains bran and germ whereas white rice is polished, refined and is devoid of bran and germ. Though brown rice is considered nutritious, the white rice has its own set of advantages, some of these are discussed below.

The benefits of eating rice

Let’s have a look at the benefits of eating rice.

  • Source of Energy
Unbelievable it may sound, but rice is a natural source of energy. It comes loaded with carbohydrates that can fill us up and keep the hunger pangs away for a very long time.
  • Easy to digest
Rice is comparatively easy to digest in comparison to some other grains. Doctors advise giving rice to babies who start eating solids, as it is easy to digest for them. We all had congees and khichdi whenever we had an upset tummy.

The ill-effects of eating rice

  • High Glycemic Index
One of the major concerns with rice is that it has a high Glycemic index. The starch present in the rice takes a lot of time to break carbohydrates which can lead to increased blood sugar levels.
  • Increased Metabolic Syndrome
Experts believe that eating a large amount of rice leads to metabolic syndrome, which can cause diseases such as high BP, heart diseases, and weight gain.

So, we are saying

  1. Glycemic Index
Even though it is believed to lead to the risk of diabetics, but the Glycemic Index is measured how that particular food affects the body if eaten alone. Well, usually rice is never eaten alone, veggie and curries accompany it.
  1. Weight Gain
While there are studies that suggest that eating rice can lead to weight gain, but there are studies as well that suggest it can be very beneficial in losing weight, thanks to less saturated fats and more fibre.

It seems that rice is not necessarily bad, true it has some hindsight’s, but the key here is portions. If taken in moderation, rice, brown or white is not bad for you. But be sure to balance it with adequate veggies.