Do you love eating rice? If so, there's good news for you. Consuming white rice could contribute to a reduction in body weight. The starch found in large amounts in white rice helps regulate body weight. However, obtaining this benefit requires attention to a few key points while cooking the rice. Scientists at the College of Chemical Sciences in Sri Lanka have discovered that consuming white rice does not necessarily lead to an increase in body weight. To achieve this benefit, white rice can be cooked in three different ways.
Add coconut oil
Start by boiling water in a container. Add one teaspoon of coconut oil for every half cup of rice. After a while, introduce the rice into the boiling water. Cook the rice for 40 minutes over low heat. Store the cooked rice in the fridge for at least 12 hours. This cooking method leads to a ten-fold increase in the amount of 'resistant starch' (a nutrient that helps with digestion and weight loss) in the rice. The resulting rice provides the body with very few calories. Cooling the rice is an important step. Rice prepared this way in the evening can be used for lunch the next day.
Cook the rice partly
Begin by soaking the rice for about 30 minutes. Now, then steam-cook it and after that, drain out the water completely. This approach increases the nutrient content of the rice. Those aiming to reduce body weight while enjoying a rice-based diet can adopt this method. Eating rice this way not only strengthens intestinal health but also enhances beneficial bacteria in the gut. With a low glycemic index, this rice aids insulin function and regulates blood sugar levels. Rice prepared in this manner is also a rich source of iron and calcium, promoting healthy hair and bones and providing protection against hormone irregularities.
Filter out the starch
In this method, excess starch is filtered out from the cooked rice. Start by thoroughly washing the rice in cold water. Transfer the washed rice into a container with boiling water, using six to 10 cups of water for each cup of rice. Stir the rice occasionally while keeping the container uncovered. Once the rice is properly cooked, drain the water completely. Wash the rice in hot water to remove any remaining starch. Following these methods can contribute to weight reduction. However, it is important to keep in mind that consuming excessive amounts of rice is not good for good health.