Things to know when eating cold rice?

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Some people like to eat rice while it's hot, but some like to eat it cold. So, is it safe to eat cold rice? What are the benefits or risks of eating cold rice?

1. What are the benefits of eating cold rice?

Cold rice contains higher levels of resistant starch (also known as resistant starch) than freshly cooked rice.
Resistant starch is a type of fiber that the body cannot digest. However, this type of starch can be fermented in the digestive tract by certain types of beneficial bacteria. When beneficial bacteria grow, they overwhelm and destroy harmful bacteria, so they have a positive effect in protecting the digestive tract.
Fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which affect two hormones – peptide glucagon-1 (GPL-1) and peptide YY (PYY) that regulate human appetite. In addition, these two hormones are also known as anti-diabetic and obesity hormones. Because they have the ability to improve insulin sensitivity to help regulate blood sugar and reduce fat accumulation in the abdomen.

2. Health risks when eating cold rice

However, this habit also has many potential health risks.
Eating reheated cold rice or fried rice can increase the risk of food poisoning caused by Bacillus cereus. This is a type of bacteria that occurs in abundance and is the leading cause of food poisoning. Symptoms of Bacillus cereus poisoning are abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting about 15 to 30 minutes after eating.

Pathogens such as Bacillus cereus grow rapidly at temperatures between 4 and 60 ̊C. Therefore, if you store cold rice at room temperature, the spores will have the conditions to grow, multiply and produce toxins leading to poisoning
Although everyone who eats cold rice is at risk of poisoning Food groups with weak immune systems such as: Children or the elderly or pregnant women are often more severely affected.

3. How to store and eat cold rice safely

Here are some important notes to help minimize the risk of food poisoning from eating cold rice:
3.1 Should be refrigerated First, it is necessary to refrigerate the rice within an hour by dividing the rice into into small, sealed containers. Hot rice should be allowed to cool before putting it in the refrigerator.
3.2 Leftover cold rice after each meal should not be left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours Past this time, bacterial spores can grow and multiply vigorously. If refrigerated, ensure a maximum temperature of 5 ̊C to prevent spore formation. Cold rice can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.

Eating cold rice is a habit as well as a hobby of many people. It is safe to eat cold rice as long as it is stored and prepared properly.
Any questions that need to be answered by a nutritionist at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide or register online HERE.
Reference source: healthline.com

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