Does eating rice increase cholesterol?

Rice and Cholesterol: Can't imagine life without biryani, pulao, or plain old dal-chawal? Most people cannot. Rice is a staple food consumed extensively by more than half of the world's population. It is rich in nutrients and is a good source of carbohydrates and proteins. From Dr. Pakhi Sharma, Former General Physician, at Vimalaya Hospital, Bengaluru, know whether rice is good for the heart? Is rice good for high blood pressure? Let's know-

Is rice good for the heart?

According to Dr. Pakhi, the diet should not be chosen thinking that it is good only for the health of the heart, but it should be chosen by looking at its effect on overall health. Foods rich in soluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids are considered healthy for the heart.

According to Dr. Sharma, rice is a good source of soluble fiber, which can lower the level of LDL or "bad" cholesterol in the body (Is White Rice Cholesterol-Free?). Soluble fiber binds to cholesterol particles in the small intestine and prevents them from getting into the blood. Also, it helps to get those particles out of the body through the stool. It helps in reducing the total cholesterol level in the body (Does rice increase cholesterol), thereby reducing the risk of high blood pressure and heart diseases.

Can rice reduce high blood pressure?

According to Dr. Pakhi Sharma, rice bran is also rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is an essential omega-3 fatty acid. It contributes to your overall health and benefits your heart health as well. Studies show that consuming a diet rich in ALA can lower total cholesterol levels in the body, thereby reducing the risk of high blood pressure.

Can we eat rice with high blood pressure?

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common condition where your blood pressure is consistently too high. Balance is the key to everything and the same applies to diet-related to high blood pressure. Blood pressure patients should be a little careful about their diet.

Dr. Sharma told that the consumption of rice can be beneficial in keeping your blood pressure level under control. However, the type of rice you choose also matters. The amount of fiber (brown rice is bad for cholesterol) in whole grains such as brown rice helps control your blood pressure.

Which rice is best for high blood pressure?

The main question that arises while choosing rice is which rice is healthier for high blood pressure. So know that brown rice (White rice bad for cholesterol?) This means brown rice, is counted as a complete grain, as it is more nutritious than white rice.

According to Dr. Pakhi, brown rice is higher in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals as compared to white rice (Rice good for lowering cholesterol?). It contains a variety of B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, and phytochemicals. It is an important rich source of minerals like potassium and magnesium, which are essential for keeping your blood pressure under control.

How much rice can be eaten in a day?

According to the doctor, limit yourself to about 1 cup of cooked rice a day. You can opt for healthier options like brown rice (Can rice raise cholesterol?), which is more nutritious than white rice.

What is the right time to eat rice for high blood pressure patients?

Since brown rice (Rice bad for LDL cholesterol?) is a healthy source of complex carbohydrates that can keep you active and energetic throughout the day, it is better to consume it during the day. When including rice in your diet, remember to take it in moderation.