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Rice is a common food found on many Indian dining tables, enjoyed in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Nonetheless, there is a widespread belief that consuming rice at night may not be good for health. Ayurveda states that rice has cool and soft qualities. Aged rice is seen as light and easy to digest, while freshly harvested rice is thought to be heavy and harder to digest. Since our digestive system weakens at night, having rice then might sometimes cause gas, upset stomach, and a feeling of fullness. From a scientific view, rice is high in carbohydrates, providing energy. However, as metabolism slows during the night, the body has a harder time breaking it down completely. This can lead to bloating, acidity, or fat gain, particularly if someone sleeps shortly after eating. Excess energy from the carbohydrates is stored as fat, resulting in gradual weight increase.
Balance And Healthy Selections: That being said, you don't have to completely skip rice at night. If eaten in moderation and in the right way, it won’t harm your health. Light dishes like moong dal khichdi, jeera rice, or rice with steamed veggies are easy to digest and are gentle on the stomach.
Advice For Healthier Nightly Rice Eating:
If you choose to have rice at night, here are some simple tips to make it healthier:
Drink warm water or clear soup before your meal to help with digestion.
Opt for brown rice or aged rice, as they are higher in fiber and lower in starch.
Mix a little ghee into your rice to help with digestion and lessen gas.
Take a brief walk for 5-10 minutes after dinner to avoid feeling heavy.
Finish eating at least two hours before going to bed to give enough time for digestion.
Eating Practices in South India:
Interestingly, those in South India often eat rice at night without encountering weight problems. The difference is in their eating style: they typically combine rice with yogurt, sambar, or boiled vegetables and remain active after their meals. Additionally, chilled rice contains resistant starch, which is good for gut health and aids in better digestion.
