Does rice expand in your stomach?

In this brief guide, we will answer the question “Does rice expand in your stomach?” and discuss whether eating rice can lead to weight gain or not. We will also mention if rice contains sugar and list down the differences between white rice and brown rice. We will also tell you how to properly store your rice.

Does rice expand in your stomach?

No, the rice does not expand in your stomach. Rice expands when you boil it in water since it absorbs that water. So it expands only during the cooking process.

Rice is a hygroscopic grain which means that it absorbs moisture when there is a lot of humidity. On the other hand, it also loses that moisture when the surroundings are dry. This happens due to changes in vapor pressure.

Does rice cause weight gain?

Yes, rice can cause weight gain. Rice is packed with carbohydrates which can make you gain weight if you have a lot of it. In addition, rice like short grain white rice has a high glycemic index which means it gets digested very quickly leaving you feeling hungry again. When you feel hungry, you will eat more and of course that would lead to weight gain.

You should eat brown rice instead if you wish to stay healthy because not only does it have a lower glycemic index, it is also packed with nutrients, fiber and vitamins.

Does rice contain sugar?

Rice contains 0.1 g sugar per 100 g. There is very little sugar in rice but it contains a lot of starch. Starch is made up of many glucose molecules and is broken down inside the body to glucose which can raise blood sugar levels.

When eating rice, you should pair it with protein and vegetables that are low in starch so that you get all the healthy nutrients that your body needs.

According to research, consuming a lot of white rice or consuming white rice everyday can increase an individual’s risk of getting type-2 diabetes so rice should be eaten in moderation or people should switch to healthier alternatives such as brown rice or quinoa.

What is the difference between brown rice and white rice?

Brown rice

Brown is 100% whole grain which makes it an ideal substitute for white rice for people who are trying to cut down on processed carbohydrates. The flavor profile is nutty and becomes fluffy once cooked. It is very nutritious as it is abundant in vitamins.

It is also ideal for making stir fry dishes and casseroles.

White rice

White rice is the most common type of rice used in a variety of cuisines. It contains a lot of starch hence it appears white and becomes slightly sticky once cooked. It is very rich in carbohydrates making it a bad option for people who are trying to lose weight.

It is preferred over brown rice by most people due to differences in their taste and texture.

It can be eaten with curries, with stir fry dishes, and to stuff peppers etc. White rice is more versatile when it comes to cooking. It goes well with most dishes.

How to properly store rice?

  1. When unopened, rice can be kept in the pantry in a cool, dry place.
  1. Once opened, rice should be placed inside an airtight jar (preferably glass jar) and kept in a cool, dry, dark place and away from moisture.
  1. If you wish to store rice for longer periods of time, place it in a heavy duty freezer bag and put it in the freezer.
  1. Once cooked, do not leave the rice out for more than two hours.
  1. Place the rice in an airtight container and put it in the fridge. 
  1. Freeze the cooked rice if you wish to store it for a long period of time.

Learn about shelf lives of rice here.

Other FAQs about Rice that you may be interested in.

What is fried rice syndrome?

What happens if you don’t rinse rice?

How to preserve rice for 5 years

Can birds eat cooked rice?

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we answered the question “Does rice expand in your stomach?” and discussed whether eating rice can lead to weight gain or not. We also mentioned if rice contains sugar and listed down the differences between white rice and brown rice. We also told you how to properly store your rice.

Citations

https://faq-all.com/en/Q%26A/page=e1e037b4bd3ed91f46cade7d1735eb02#s0

https://www.iforgotitswednesday.com/can-rice-expand-in-your-stomach/

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-store-rice#how-to-store-uncooked-rice

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