According to a research eating white rice increases the risk of developing diabetes.
While eating brown rice instead of white rice cuts down the risk of developing diabetes almost by 33%. White rice has a higher glycemic index (GI). After eating white rice there is a sudden increase in the post-prandial blood sugar level (BSL). This is one of the triggering factors for the development of type-2 diabetes. Eating brown rice had exactly the opposite effects. A diet that is high in brown rice helps prevent the onset on type-2 diabetes.
But if you think about this in a different manner then you will realize that this might not be entirely true. Rice comprises only 2% of American diet, while in some Asian diets it constitutes about 30% of their diet. Yet there is higher prevalence of diabetes among the American population than the Asians.
Many people who eat brown rice may also be following other diet regulations like including whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet. They might also be exercising regularly. However, if you look at the statistical evidence which the American research gives then again you might want to believe that eating white rice causes diabetes. Although brown rice is good for health, white rice is not all that bad either. It is low in sodium, fat content and goes well with cooked vegetables. They key is to eat it in moderation.
So I feel that instead of saying ‘White rice increases the risk of developing diabetes’ it would be more appropriate to say that ‘Brown rice reduces the risk of developing diabetes’.
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Hi Trupti, I think that no food as such cause diabetes. There are no evidence to it. If any food that can cause diabetes is milk. What you said is correct about white rice have high GI. Brown rice (the one that i always have for lunch) has enough bran that reduces the release of glucose in the blood. But white rice, mostly double polished rice, quicky raise the blood sugar level. Pradeep, www.DiabetesReader.com
Hello Lachmi, you are certainly right. However there is not much difference in the calorie content of white rice and brown rice. There are about 151 calories per 100gm of plain white boiled rice, while brown boiled rice has about 140 calories per 100gm. While trying to cut down weight what matters more is the portion size.
But if you want to cut down on weight I feel brown rice is much better than white rice....Am I right?