Having brown rice and wholemeal bread in diet reduce the risk of diabetes, a new study indicated. It was found that replacing white rice with brown rice can cut down the risk of diabetes by 36%.

Brown rice prevents Diabetes

The researchers points out that due to the differences in processing method and nutrient content, brown and white rice may have dissimilar effects on the risk of type 2 diabetes. It has been established that white rice can cause rise in blood sugar level, whereas brown rice, releases sugars and energy slowly.

To determine the association between type of rice intake and diabetes risk, the investigators utilized data from 3 large prospective cohort studies, all of which included information about diet. In such type of study a group of people are followed over a period of time and collection of data (in this case diet and lifestyle) would be useful in looking at the risk factors that might be linked with the occurrence of certain conditions.

However, it can not prove cause and effect relation. This study examined nearly 40,000 men and 157,000 women for their diet and life style and its effect on health.

It was a questionnaire based study, in which individuals were provided with the food frequency questionnaire forms and followed up to see whether they developed diabetes or not. From all participants, 10,507 developed diabetes during 14 to 22 years of follow up, suggesting absolute risk of over 5%.

It was also found that people who ate more than two servings a week of brown rice had an 11% lower risk than those who ate less than one serving a month. The researchers guess that replacing 50 grams of white rice a day with brown rice or whole grains would result in a 16% or 36% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, respectively.

This shows regular consumption of white rice is linked higher risk of diabetes, whereas brown rice with a lower risk. It should be kept in mind that this study has not proved cause and effect relation. But still, people should include more whole grains and brown rice in their diet, rather than refined carbohydrates. This research calls onto people to change their dietary habits.

In Asian countries when rice is the staple diet, people generally prefer to eat white rice over brown due to appearance & trends. Whereas in the western countries the amount of Rice consumed is insignificant to cause a major change in their diet & fitness.