Freezing Rice: Could This Simple Trick Boost Your Health?
A recent TikTok trend suggests a simple kitchen hack could significantly impact your health: freezing and reheating cooked rice.shared by a popular Asian chef, @mamalindacooks, this method promises to reduce the carbohydrate and calorie content of rice by up to 50%, perhaps offering benefits for weight management and even colon cancer prevention.
The science behind this claim lies in the transformation of digestible starch into resistant starch when rice is cooled. This resistant starch acts differently in the body, offering several potential advantages.
The TikTok trend has garnered significant attention, with users sharing their experiences. “This is really good for meal readiness,” commented one user.Another added, “True, but to make it even better, put coconut oil when you cook rice, it makes you lose weight too and it tastes good.”
Dr. Karan Rangarajan, a medical professional quoted in the Times of India, supports these claims. He explains that the process not only reduces calories but also contributes to improved gut health and may lower the risk of colon cancer. “Almost all leftover foods that contain carbohydrates such as rice, bread, pasta, potatoes, beans, wheat when you cook them then cool them or freeze them, then reheat them will magically contain fewer calories,” Dr. Rangarajan stated.
Resistant starch acts as a prebiotic, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria. This, in turn, can regulate blood sugar levels, enhance insulin sensitivity, and promote feelings of fullness, aiding in weight management. Studies have shown that consuming cooled rice leads to a lower post-meal blood glucose spike in individuals with type 1 diabetes.
the benefits extend to colon cancer prevention. Dr. Rangarajan explains that resistant starch increases bowel movements and stool volume, potentially reducing the risk. “The remaining carbohydrates turn into fiber, aka prebiotics. They feed beneficial bacterial species such as bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus,” he concluded.
While further research is always encouraged,this simple kitchen hack offers a potentially impactful way to improve your diet and overall well-being. The next time you cook rice, consider freezing a portion for a healthier, potentially cancer-fighting meal later in the week.
Could Freezing Rice Really Boost Your Health? An Expert Weighs In
senior Editor: Welcome back too world-today-news.com, everyone. Today, we’re diving into a interesting TikTok trend: freezing and reheating cooked rice for potential health benefits. To help us unpack this,we have Dr. Sarah Thompson, a registered dietitian and food scientist with extensive experience in nutritional research.Dr. Thompson, thanks for joining us.
Dr. Thompson: Thanks for having me! This is a really captivating trend, and it’s exciting to see people exploring ways to make simple dietary changes that could have a positive impact on their health.
Senior Editor: So,what’s the science behind this claim that freezing rice makes it healthier?
Dr. Thompson: It all comes down to a type of carbohydrate called resistant starch. When rice is cooked and then cooled, the starch molecules crystallize and become resistant to digestion. This means they act more like fiber in our gut.
Senior Editor: Interesting. And what are some of the potential benefits of consuming resistant starch?
Dr. Thompson: Well, resistant starch acts as a prebiotic, which essentially means it feeds the good bacteria in your gut.These bacteria then produce short-chain fatty acids, which have been linked to improved digestion, better blood sugar control, and even reduced risk of colon cancer. [1] [2] [3]
Senior Editor: The article mentioned that resistant starch may even aid in weight management. How does that work?
Dr. Thompson: Sure. Resistant starch can promote feelings of fullness, which can help prevent overeating.additionally, studies have shown that consuming cooled rice, which is higher in resistant starch, can lead to a lower post-meal blood glucose spike in individuals with type 1 diabetes. [1]
Senior Editor: That’s remarkable! However, there are also some doubts about the extent to which freezing rice actually reduces calories. Is there concrete evidence to support this claim?
Dr.thompson: While there is anecdotal evidence and some research suggesting that resistant starch may sedikit reduce caloric intake,more robust scientific studies are needed to confirm these findings conclusively.
Senior Editor: Great points, Dr. Thompson! do you have any advice for our readers who might want to try this out?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely. It’s a simple and safe kitchen hack to incorporate. Just cook your rice as usual, let it cool completely, then store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, reheat it thoroughly. You can also experiment with freezing other starchy foods like potatoes and pasta.
Senior Editor: Fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing your expertise, Dr. Thompson. This has been an insightful conversation.
Dr. Thompson: My pleasure! I hope people will continue to explore the fascinating world of food and nutrition.
