Health & Life

Do not be foolish to eat sticky rice or banh chung, banh nep if you belong to this group of people.

Dishes made from glutinous rice, such as sticky rice, banh chung, banh nep, banh ran... are nutritious but can be harmful to some people.

Administrator

2 March, 2024

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Food made from glutinous rice, such as sticky rice, fried glutinous rice balls, square sticky rice cake, round sticky rice cake… are delicious and popular dishes in Vietnam. However, they can pose health risks to many people. Glutinous rice is very nutritious compared to regular rice, but that’s why they are not suitable for some people:

People with stomachache

According to VnExpress, Dr. Truong Hong Son, Head of the Institute of Applied Medicine Vietnam, stated that eating sticky rice in the morning can make digestion more difficult. The reason is that glutinous rice, when processed into sticky rice, is harder to digest, increases stomach acid, leading to reflux, belching, acidic burps, discomfort.

Overweight, obese people

Sticky rice and dishes made from glutinous rice, such as square sticky rice cake, are high-calorie foods. On average, a packet of sticky rice can provide about 600 calories, while a bowl of rice contains about 130 calories, a bowl of pho contains 400-450 calories. When eating sticky rice, people often accompany it with other high-calorie foods such as stewed meat, sausage, pâté, eggs… which increases the risk of obesity. If you are trying to lose weight, it is best to limit your consumption of sticky rice.

People who have just recovered from illness

Glutinous rice contains amylopectin, a sticky starch, which can cause bloating and difficulty in digestion. Therefore, the elderly, children (children under 1 year old should not eat), and people who have just recovered from illness and have poor digestion should be cautious when consuming it.

People with chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood fat

People with diabetes, high blood fat (increased triglycerides), and obesity should limit or consume less glutinous rice. Glutinous rice has a higher glycemic index than regular rice, so eating it can make it harder to control the condition.

Whether sweet or savory, all kinds of glutinous rice cakes contain a lot of carbohydrates and sodium. People with diabetes, overweight, or other chronic diseases (such as kidney disease, high blood fat) should eat as little as possible.

In addition, people with low body temperature, fever, yellow or jaundiced phlegm, and abdominal distension should not consume sticky rice or dishes made from glutinous rice.

If you belong to any of the above groups, you should be aware that if you crave dishes made from glutinous rice, you should only eat a small amount, a few pieces, or a small bowl each time.

Frequently asked questions

People with stomach issues, such as those experiencing stomachaches or digestion problems, should be cautious. Additionally, those who are overweight or obese, as well as individuals with diabetes, high blood fat, or chronic diseases, may want to limit their consumption. This is because glutinous rice can exacerbate these conditions due to its high calorie and glycemic index content. It is also not recommended for people with a low body temperature, fever, or abdominal distension.

According to Dr. Truong Hong Son, eating sticky rice in the morning can cause digestion difficulties. It increases stomach acid, leading to reflux, belching, acidic burps, and discomfort. Glutinous rice also contains amylopectin, a sticky starch that can cause bloating and further hinder digestion.

Glutinous rice and dishes made from it are high in calories. A packet of sticky rice can provide about 600 calories, compared to a bowl of regular rice, which contains approximately 130 calories. When consumed with other high-calorie foods, it increases the risk of obesity. Therefore, it is best to limit glutinous rice consumption if one is trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Yes, individuals with diabetes or high blood fat should limit their intake of glutinous rice as it has a higher glycemic index than regular rice, making it more challenging to control blood sugar and fat levels. All kinds of glutinous rice cakes, whether sweet or savory, contain significant amounts of carbohydrates and sodium, which can negatively impact these health conditions. It is advisable for those with diabetes or high blood fat to minimize their consumption.

Yes, in addition to the groups mentioned above, people with a low body temperature, fever, or abdominal distension should avoid eating sticky rice or dishes made from glutinous rice. It is also recommended that the elderly and children exercise caution, especially children under 1 year old, who should not consume glutinous rice.

If you fall into any of the above categories and still wish to indulge in glutinous rice dishes, it is advised to consume only a small amount. Limit yourself to a few pieces or a small bowl each time to minimize potential health risks.