Cold rice contains resistant starch, which is a carbohydrate with a structure similar to dietary fiber. The human body has no protease to digest dietary fiber and break it down into glucose. The body needs to convert glucose into energy. Similarly, the digestion time of resistant starch is longer than that of ordinary starch, and the energy provided is almost half that of ordinary starch. Resistant starch plays different roles in the body. What exactly did they offer? Take a look!
Keep the intestines healthy. Resistant starch is thought to help keep the intestines healthy. These indigestible starches are fermented into short-chain fatty acids by probiotics in the large intestine. Academic articles show that these fatty acids can: reduce intestinal permeability and reduce the chance of toxic substances entering the body; Enhance intestinal mucus secretion, mucus has antibacterial components, thus strengthening intestinal barrier defense; Increase the apoptosis of malignant cells and reduce the development of colorectal cancer caused by gene mutation; Increase the antioxidant capacity of glutathione against free radical attack. In one study, participants who increased the proportion of resistant starch in food were less likely to develop colorectal cancer. Increasing the intake of resistant starch in patients with colorectal cancer will also slow down the progress of the disease.
Maintain blood sugar level. Studies have shown that resistant starch takes longer to digest and the process of transforming into glucose is longer, and the postprandial blood sugar level will not soar, so it is more stable than ordinary starch and suitable for diabetic patients. A study by the University of Colorado at Denver explored the relationship between resistant starch and weight control. When the blood sugar level rises, the pancreas releases insulin to encourage the liver and cells to absorb glucose, and then converts glucose into fat for storage. Because resistant starch takes longer to digest, the blood sugar level will not soar in a short time, and the pancreas does not need to release a lot of insulin, thus reducing fat production and achieving the purpose of losing weight. In addition, a stable blood sugar level will make us feel full, so we won't consume extra calories because of hunger.