Why is there so much Misinformation about Rice?
The answer to that question is simple. The food and beverage industries are built on misinformation and profit maximization at the health expense of the consumer. Misinformation is rampant within these industries, as is the use of toxic ingredients in many packaged and processed foods. I recently read a post by a bodybuilder on Instagram promoting rice as an “excellent source of carbohydrate and as a nutrient-rich food”. Reading these claims is frustrating, as all they do is confuse and misinform people, even more, causing the health crisis to accelerate further. So let’s take a look at the truth!
What is Rice, really?
Rice, is an edible starchy cereal grain produced by its plant. That means rice is a grain and human beings are not actually meant to eat and digest grains, even though the food industry has managed to make grains a daily staple. Our digestive system doesn’t handle grains well. Rice consists of about 60% water, 30% carbohydrates, minimal traces of protein and few nutrients. Water is water, so it’s fair to conclude rice consists pretty much of carbs. Carbohydrates are converted into glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream and used to supply immediate energy.
What happens next?
While rice burns slower than processed carbs such as pasta or bread, it still turns into glucose and burns quickly. So let’s say you have just enjoyed a Thai or Chinese dish and downed 2 bowls of rice. That’s a lot of carb intake which your body is not in need to use for energy at that time. The excess (not burned) glucose is then turned into glycogen and transported by insulin to the muscle and liver cells. These cells have limited storage capacity and when maxed out, the remainder of those carbs & calories have no place else to go, but into the fat cells. This process causes insidious weight gain. The surging insulin release then triggers a decline in available energy in the bloodstream, which soon stimulates appetite for more quick energy carbs. The imminent energy decline is famously referred to in the UK as “The Curry Coma” which hits shortly after enjoying a delicious Indian meal with tons of rice and Naan bread. All you want to do is crash on the sofa! Therefore, rice, like all carbs, provides a short spike in energy in the form of a blood sugar high, to be followed by an energy low, with a blood sugar crash.
Insulin Resistance aka Diabetes.
Over time this can lead to insulin resistance as the insulin-producing capacity of the pancreas is exhausted, which causes diabetes. Additionally, being carbohydrate dependant will frequently release the “fight or flight” stress hormone, as the body perceives the lack of available energy as a life-threatening situation and activates your stress mode. The stress hormone responds with a process called gluconeogenesis, in which lean muscle tissue is converted into glucose to supply your immediate energy needs after an insulin-induced energy crash. This means the body is being forced to break down muscle tissue to supply its glucose needs!
The Damage?
Besides possibly becoming insulin resistant and diabetic, high levels of glucose in the bloodstream damage organs by increasing the production of “free radicals” in cells.
Using glucose as a primary energy source can result in serious health issues due to the increased free radical production (oxidation in the bloodstream). The oxidation (burning) of the bloodstream causes inflammation and suppresses the immune system, which can lead to further health complications.
White Rice v Brown Rice?
Contrary to conventional wisdom, brown rice is no better than white rice. Brown rice has a slightly higher nutritional value than white rice, as it’s washed and processed less. However, brown rice contains exactly the same amount of carbohydrate as white rice, which causes the damage described above. Wild Rice is the only rice that can be consumed without concern. Wild Rice is classified as a plant, which contains low levels of carbohydrates, ample protein, and several valuable nutrients.
Rice and Water.
It’s ironic that rice feeds half the World’s population, yet at the same time is the biggest contributor to the World’s water shortage problem. The irrigation of rice paddies requires around 39% of the World’s water reserves a year. Considering that most third world countries suffer from water shortage, this is kind of shooting ourselves in the foot. Not only does the consumption of rice make people sick, but it’s also draining the World of water reserves.
There are efforts underway to reduce the amount of water used for rice irrigation, however, the methods being developed and listed in here, are costly and difficult to implement. This situation causes a never-ending “Catch 22“. The abuse of the water reserves won’t be able to go on forever. The solution may be to find ways to plant and cultivate real, natural and healthy foods for the world’s population, with less carbohydrate content which may require less water to cultivate. But then again, that’s not in the interest of the food industry…
The End Game?
I’ll let you make up your own mind about rice and whether it’s good for your body, mind, and wellbeing. My advice: Transition your food and beverage intake to the Keto Diet or Lifestyle, clean out your system and stay healthy forever! And if you care about your health and have a few minutes to spare, maybe read this blog about switching to 100% natural foods. Thanks for reading and please feel free to leave a reply or question in the comments section below. Rob Hourmont “I want to show people how to lose weight effectively, how to build a healthy strong heart, a strong body and mind supporting a longer life. I do this by showing how you should eat in the most natural way and by teaching you my natural fitness and movement methods. I’ll be talking and writing about how you can achieve your best possible health no matter what age, as my absolute passion today is to help as many people in the world regain health!”
