How to cut calories in rice

Combine it with chicken curry, fish curry, lentils, rajma, or any other vegetable; rice is so versatile that it accompanies everything perfectly. But one thing that bothers everyone out there is the high calories that this versatile food grain contains.

Fortunately, there is a way to cut calories from the rice, whether it's brown or white basmati rice or any other variety! So yes, you can enjoy your favourite staple without bothering about calories. The process is — boil the rice with coconut oil and then refrigerate it for about half a day before serving. This method reduces calories by 60 percent.

A cup of cooked rice holds about 200 calories. For weight watchers, rice is the first item they think of giving up. With this method in practice, you don't need to worry about calories if you want to relish rice.

The findings

According to Sudhir James — a noted research scientist from Sri Lanka, it is possible to reduce calories from rice with the help of coconut oil. He presented this finding at the National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society.

As per this study, cooking basmati rice with coconut oil and then allowing it to sit for twelve hours increases its resistant starch and lowers its calorie count.

The indigestible starch, formed during the cooling method, prevents rice from metabolizing glucose in the digestion process. And when you reheat the cooked rice, it doesn’t increase its calorie again. After cooling the rice overnight, you can reheat and use it as and when you desire.

The scientists tested around 38 varieties of rice to discover the best way to boost resistant starch.

What is resistant starch?

Resistant starch works as a resilient agent for your body's enzymes to break down the carbohydrates. As a result, the body absorbs fewer carbohydrates.

The best way to produce resistant starch in rice is to simmer it for about 40 minutes with a teaspoon of coconut oil. After that, let the rice cool down and refrigerate it for twelve hours.

Benefits of resistant starch

Resistant starch provides several health benefits, such as —

• It improves the digestion and gut health
• Regulates blood sugar levels in the body
  
  

Caution to take when using cooked rice

Reheating the rice can pose risks as some food poisoning agents may survive cooking.

Don't leave the cooked rice out in the open at room temperature. It may cause the bacteria to multiply. Instead, serve either hot or cool rice and then store it in a fridge.

Conclusion

Next time when you crave some basmati rice or any other rice, use the method mentioned above to cook rice and cut calories.