Does eating leftover rice help you lose weight?

Answer:

Resistant starch is a type of carbohydrate that is not fully digested in the small intestine and behaves like fiber. It provides fewer calories compared to regular starch and increases the feeling of satiety, slows digestion and helps reduce cravings.

However, the idea that eating leftover rice significantly aids weight loss is not entirely accurate. Despite its resistant starch content, leftover rice still contains a substantial amount of starch and excessive consumption can lead to weight gain.

A bowl of rice. Illustration photo from Unsplash

Also, storing leftover rice at room temperature can lead to bacterial contamination, increasing the risk of food poisoning and digestive problems. Repeated reheating of rice also degrades its quality and nutritional value.

Therefore, it is recommended not to overuse or rely solely on leftover rice as a weight loss strategy. If the rice has been damaged, it must be discarded. For a well-balanced diet, consider combining rice with a variety of foods, including vegetables and protein.

Also, it’s good practice to cook the right amount of rice for each meal to avoid leftovers and minimize waste. If you store leftover rice, refrigerate it and consume it within a reasonable amount of time.

For effective weight loss, it is essential to combine a balanced diet with regular exercise, sufficient rest and relaxation, rather than relying on extreme fasting methods or unverified weight loss supplements.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Lam

Former deputy director of the National Institute of Nutrition of Vietnam