Can you eat rice without a gallbladder?

In this brief article we will answer the question,”can you eat rice without a gallbladder?”We will as well look at some  diet that you can follow if you have had your gallbladder removed. We will delve into some health benefits of brown rice and look at the nutritional composition of brown rice.

Can you eat rice without a gallbladder?

Sure, you can eat rice without a gallbladder. Rice is such an important food that in some countries “eating” translates to “to eat rice”! Approximately half of the world’s population get their calories from consuming rice. 

There are 2 main types of rice; white and brown rice. The difference is that brown rice is a whole grain and therefore contains both the germ, bran and endosperm. It is hence more nutritious because the germ has good amounts of fiber, the endosperm has carbohydrates and the bran is nutritious as well.

White rice on the other hand, has the bran and the germ removed off. This makes it less nutritious but has the advantage of being able to be easily cooked.

What diet should I follow if I have had my gallbladder removed?

You can have your gallbladder removed because of the build up of chronic gallstones. This is usually done via a medical surgery procedure known as cholecystectomy.  Gallstones are hard solid-like deposits that form in the gallbladder. These can be caused by various factors which include:

• Too much cholesterol in your bile
  
• Presence of too much bilirubin in your bile
  
• The gallbladder not emptying all the way

After your gallbladder is removed, it is first recommended to start with clear liquid diets because you are low on bile which digests fats. Such liquid diets include; gelatin, clear broth, juice, popsicles and carbonated beverages. Other diets you should follow are as below:

• High fiber foods: High fiber foods help prevent constipation. This should however be increased with moderation as they can otherwise cause bloating. Such foods include: vegetables, fruits, seeds, legumes, nuts and whole grains.

• Lean protein: Lean meat is essential as it is low in fat and can be easily digested. Some types of lean meats you can introduce into your diet include fish and seafood, chicken and legumes.

• Plant based foods: Plant based foods are an excellent provider  of vitamins, essential minerals and antioxidants. It’s essential to consume a plant based diet to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it requires.

• Low fat protein: Food sources that are low in proteins examples seeds, nuts, soy, beans provide proteins and contain low amounts of salt, sugar and fats are an excellent choice.

• Healthy fats: Unsaturated fats are usually easier to digest than fatty foods. Sources are soybean oil, fish oils, nuts, seeds, olive oil and canola oil.

What are the health benefits of eating rice?

Control of diabetes

In order to best understand this let’s have a look at the glycemic index of both white and brown rice.The glycemic index is a value measure of how quick and high pacific foods raise the blood sugar levels. 

That said, white rice has a glycemic index of 64 compared to brown rice which has 55. Therefore you are better off consuming brown rice to control your diabetes.

Cancer Risk reduction

Brown rice contains Phenolic acids and flavonoids such as flavones and tricin, amongst others which act as antioxidants and help reduce the risk of some types of cancers. This acts by fighting stable molecules known as radicals from injuring the cells. 

The phenolic acids are majorly found in the bran and germ of the brown rice, so once they are removed in the white rice the antioxidant activity is greatly hindered.

Good for digestive Health

Brown rice as well contains insoluble fiber. Fiber is good for general digestive health and as well assists in bowel movement. It has also been found to prevent hemorrhoids and improve bowel control. 

Also, brown rice is a plus for people with celiac disease as they can digest the grain as well getting all the nutrition it comes with.

Good for heart health

Brown rice as whole grain is loaded with fiber than processed grains. Fiber has been studied to reduce cholesterol and therefore lower risks of heart disease as well as stroke. Fiber improves satiety .i.e makes you feel fuller for longer this therefore limits your food intake and helps in weight loss. 

What is the Nutritional composition of brown rice?

A typical half cup of brown rice has nutritional composition as below:

• Calories: 108
  
• Protein: 3 grams
  
• Fat: 1 gram
  
• Carbohydrates: 22 grams
  
• Fiber: 2 grams
  
• Sugar: 0 grams

Other FAQs about Rice that you may be interested in.

Can you eat microwave rice when pregnant?

Can you eat heated-up rice when pregnant?

Can you eat microwave rice without microwaving it?

Conclusion

In this brief article we have answered the question, “Can you eat rice without a gallbladder?” We have as well explained a diet that you should follow if you have had your gallbladder removed. We have delved into some health benefits of brown rice and looked at the nutritional composition of brown rice.

Citations

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-rice