New Delhi, February 18 (IANS). Rice is an easily digestible food, but many people are unaware of the correct way to cook rice. This method has a big impact on your health. Many people wash rice in a hurry and boil it immediately. Experts say that it is not right to do this. Soaking rice in water before cooking not only increases its nutritional value but also provides blood sugar and digestive benefits.
Rice contains a natural element called phytic acid, which prevents the absorption of iron, zinc and calcium in our body. If rice is cooked without soaking, then these essential minerals do not reach the body properly. By soaking rice in water for some time, phytic acid is removed and absorption of nutrients becomes easier. This is especially beneficial for those people who are deficient in iron or zinc.
According to research from the National Library of Medicine, soaking rice also improves the texture and taste. Soaked rice cooks quickly and remains soft. This makes cooking easier. Soaking helps the enzymes in the rice convert the carbohydrates into simple sugars, making them easier to digest and absorb nutrients into the body.
Apart from this, soaking rice also reduces its glycemic index. Eating soaked rice does not increase blood sugar quickly. It is especially beneficial for diabetic patients. It is best to soak white rice for 15-20 minutes, basmati rice for 20-30 minutes, brown rice for 6-8 hours and whole grain rice for 8-12 hours. It is also important to wash the rice two or three times before soaking.
However, do not leave white rice in water for too long, as this can leach out vitamins and minerals and reduce nutrition.
Both Ayurveda and science believe that the habit of soaking rice is beneficial for our health. It not only eases digestion but also helps in controlling blood sugar.
–IANS
PK/VC
