FOOD FACTS BY NAMITA JAIN
ARTICLE OF THE MONTH
I am 50 yrs old and have Diabetes for last 5
yrs. Although, I have been avoiding sugar and
other sweets since the time I am diagnosed
with high sugar levels but recently my friend
told me that I should also avoid rice
completely to control blood sugar levels and
reduce weight. Please guide me should I
Myth: Rice makes you fat.
Fact: Rice is low in fat and cholesterol free. It is a good
source of energy because of the carbohydrates
present in it. Carbs help the body carry out its
functions and everyday growth and repair. One should
understand what kind of carbs one is eating and how
they fuel the body. When eaten purposely, rice can
help sustain one through an intense workout and
build up the muscles. That puts an individual one step
closer to the weight and fitness goals.
really need to avoid rice.
First of all, I would like to mention that there is
no need to completely avoid rice and sugar in
your daily diet. Balancing of calories is
important while planning the diet for
diabetics. Rice is one of the most controversial
foods when it comes to including it in the diet
of Diabetics and obese or overweight
individuals. Even sometimes the
Healthcare providers are not very
convinced of including rice in the
diets of diabetics and weight
watchers. In fact rice can be one of
the nutritious and healthy choices if
included in the right amount and in the right
combination with other food groups. Let's
have a look at the some of the myths and
facts about rice specifically for the diabetics
and the people looking for weight loss.
Myth: Rice does not contain protein.
Fact: Protein is the second-most abundant nutrient
found in rice after carbohydrate. Rice protein is
considered to be of the highest quality compared to
other grains. A one-cup serving of white rice carries
more than four grams of protein. With a 1/4 cup
serving size of brown rice, you get three
grams of protein.
Myth: Rice contains high levels
of salt: not good for Diabetics
and weight watchers.
Fact: Actually, plain rice
carries zero milligrams of
sodium. It is considered as
a super food and safe to
consume by people who watch their
salt intake in diets.
Myth: Diabetic and obese individuals should not
consume rice as they are full of starch and raises blood
sugar levels.
Fact: Rice like any other cereal can be included in the
daily diet of Diabetics. What is important is the