Cool, Reheat, Repeat: The Hack Your Diet Needs!
A recent viral video by TikTok creator Linda (@mamalindacooks) reveals a simple technique to reduce calories and carbohydrates in foods like rice, bread, pasta, and potatoes. Dubbed the “Asian mom secret,” this hack has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, including lowering the risk of colon cancer. Dr. Karan Rangarajan, a medical expert, supports the science behind this practice, highlighting its benefits for weight management and blood sugar control.
Science Behind the Hack
When you cook starchy foods like rice or bread, then cool them and reheat them later, their calorie absorption and carbohydrate content decrease. This process, known as retrogradation, transforms digestible starches into resistant starches.
Resistant starch is a type of carbohydrate that isn’t broken down in the small intestine. Instead, it moves to the colon, where it acts as a prebiotic—nourishing good gut bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. These bacteria improve digestion, enhance bowel movements, and promote overall gut health.
Health Benefits of Resistant Starch
- Lower Glycemic Index: Foods treated with this method cause a slower rise in blood sugar, making them ideal for people with diabetes.
- Improved Satiety: Resistant starch keeps you feeling fuller for longer, helping with portion control and weight management.
- Colon Cancer Prevention: The fermentation of resistant starch in the colon produces short-chain fatty acids that improve bowel health and reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Studies published in reputable journals, such as Nutrition and Diabetes, confirm these benefits. For example, cooling cooked rice has been shown to lower post-meal blood sugar spikes in individuals with type 1 diabetes.
Safety Tips to Prevent Foodborne Illness
While this hack is effective, food safety is crucial. Improper storage or reheating of cooked rice can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, particularly Bacillus cereus. This bacterium can cause “fried rice syndrome,” which leads to symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting. Although typically mild, it can be dangerous for immunocompromised individuals.
How to Store and Reheat Safely
- Cook rice thoroughly: Avoid undercooking, as it promotes bacterial growth.
- Store promptly: Do not leave cooked rice at room temperature for more than two hours. Place it in a sealed container and refrigerate immediately.
- Reheat carefully: Ensure the rice reaches a high temperature before consumption to eliminate potential toxins.
- Use within a few days: Consume leftovers within 3-4 days to maintain safety and quality.
Conclusion
This straightforward cooling and reheating method offers a practical way to enjoy starchy foods while reducing their caloric impact. With added benefits like better digestion, improved satiety, and lower cancer risk, this food science hack is worth trying. Just remember to prioritize food safety by storing and reheating correctly.
Your favourite carb-rich dishes can now become a healthier indulgence—perfect for guilt-free leftovers!
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
