04/02/2021
6 reasons why you should eat Flat rice or Rice flake (চিঁড়া) instead of White Rice
Rice flake(চিঁড়া) has long been one of the favourite breakfast foods in many parts of India and Bangladesh. It gives a perfect and energetic start to the day. Not only Rice flake (চিঁড়া) is easy to make, but it is also lighter, jam-packed with iron and carbs and low on the glycemic index. On the other hand, rice has a lot of simple carbohydrates that have long been associated with insulin fluctuations, lethargy and weight gain.
How is Flat rice or Rice flake (চিড়া) Produced?
Rice flake (চিঁড়া) is made by partly cooking paddy and then drying it out in the sun for hours until it turns a bit harder. They are then pounded and flattened to give the form of Flat rice or Rice flake (চিঁড়া). It does not go through a lot of processing and is generally not polished.
White rice is polished to such an extent that it is stripped off its nutrients and fibre contents. In comparison, Rice flake (চিঁড়া) is less processed and light in terms of cooking and digestion.
Here are 6 reasons why you should eat Rice flake (চিড়া) instead of White Rice:
1. Rich in Healthy Carbohydrates
Rice flake(চিঁড়া) is the best breakfast food because it packs approximately 70% of healthy carbohydrates and 30% fat. Thus, if you want fuel to go about your day, Rice flakes (চিঁড়া) does a better job. On the other hand, consuming rice tends to make people sleepy and might impact your performance throughout the day.
2. Source of Iron
The sundried Rice flake (চিঁড়া) goes through iron rollers when it is flattened. Hence, it is considered high in iron content as it holds some of the iron from the flattening process. Population groups who are at a higher risk of gestational anaemia such as pregnant women are usually advised to eat Rice flakes (চিঁড়া). A dash of lemon juice on the Rice flakes (চিঁড়া) bowl provides it with Vitamin C required for the proper absorption of iron.
3. Easy on Digestion
While rice cannot be consumed at all times of the day, Rice flake (চিঁড়া) can be eaten as a breakfast and an evening snack as well. Since it is easy on the digestive tract and does not cause bloating, it is fit to consume whenever you crave a quick snack. Just add a few vegetables, salt, one tbsp mustard oil and add it to a bowl of softened Rice flakes (চিঁড়া) and you are done.
4. Probiotic Benefits
This might come as a surprise, but Rice flake (চিঁড়া) does have probiotic advantages. The manufacturing process of Rice flakes (চিঁড়া) subjects it to fermentation. It retains the good bacterias that result from the metabolisation of proteins and carbs and they keep the gut healthy! This benefit does not come with white rice.
5. Low in Calories
One bowl of cooked Rice flake (চিঁড়া) with vegetables contain approximately 250 calories while the same quantity of fried rice contains 333 calories. It makes for a pretty good meal that keeps you fuller for longer. Some people also add fried peanuts to enhance the taste but keep in mind that it will increase the calorie count. So, you are better off skipping it if you are trying to lose weight.
6. Regulates Blood Sugar
While white rice causes an unanticipated burst in blood sugar, Rice flake (চিঁড়া) keeps in check any sudden sugar spikes in the blood. Its fibre content allows the sugar to release steadily in the bloodstream, instead of causing an unexpected jump.
