Chawal is not your enemy! These benefits of white rice prove exactly that
If you like having white rice, then know this: you don’t have to ditch it completely. The benefits of white rice ensure that it can be a part of a balanced diet.
Rice is not only versatile and easy to cook, but also light on the stomach. No surprises then that this grain has been an integral part of the Indian diet since forever.
Rice has always been surrounded by this misconception that it can make you fat. And for the longest time, it has been depicted in a bad light. But the question is, is it really that bad for you? The answer is NO!
While rice is a source of carbohydrates, it also has four to five grams of protein in one serving and almost no fat. What’s more, it is also a good source of vitamin B and antioxidants.
Not convinced? Here are six benefits of white rice that you must know about.
IT CAN STABILISE YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
While you might have heard that white rice has starch and is comparatively high on the glycemic index, the truth is that when accompanied by other foods such as vegetables, it can prevent blood sugar spikes. But if you are diabetic, check with your doctor before including it in your diet.
IT IS GLUTEN FREE
Rice is a hypoallergenic food and also a blessing for people who are allergic to gluten or have celiac disease. A glutenfree grain, rice can also be easily turned into flour, noodles and bread for people who choose gluten-free options.
IT IS A POWERHOUSE OF ENERGY
Since rice is rich in carbs, it provides a lot of energy very quickly. And that’s why even athletes prefer white rice over brown rice, when they need an energy boost.
AIDS HEART HEALTH
When you opt for wholegrain rice, you help your heart health. Even the American Heart Association agrees that whole grains improve blood cholesterol levels and further reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes.
RICE IS VERY EASY TO DIGEST
Not just easy to cook, rice is also very easy to digest. Unlike brown rice, white rice doesn’t have a compound called phytic acid, an anti-nutrient which causes digestive issues. For days when eating dinner at a reasonable hour is an impossible feat, nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar suggests opting for dal-chawal, since rice is easy to digest and can even improve sleep quality.
KEEPS THE GUT HEALTHY
Even when you eat refined white rice, you get a hefty dose of soluble fibre, that is, resistant starch called butyrate. Butyrate can boost your gut health by reducing any inflammation. That’s the reason why people are often advised to have boiled rice in case of diarrhoea.
So, don’t fret anymore about consuming rice, as it can improve your gut health, blood cholesterol levels and quality of sleep, too.