In a CGM experiment, a meal of plain white rice and chicken caused a sharp rise in blood glucose, whereas cooling the rice with a bit of coconut oil beforehand produced a smaller spike. The result highlights how both food composition and preparation methods influence blood sugar. Here’s what to know about
chicken and rice.
Health benefits
- Chicken is a lean, high-quality protein. A skinless chicken breast provides around 26 g of protein with minimal fat. This lean protein supplies amino acids needed for muscle and bone maintenance and can help promote satiety and healthy weight management. Chicken also contains vitamins B12 and B6, choline, zinc and iron.
- Rice is a readily digestible carbohydrate and source of energy. White rice is low in fat and easy to digest, making it useful for athletes and individuals needing quick energy. Brown rice contains more fibre and has a lower glycemic index than white rice.
- Resistant starch can reduce glycemic impact. Letting cooked white rice cool in the refrigerator increases its resistant-starch content; resistant starch behaves like fibre and has less impact on blood sugar. Cooling and reheating rice doesn’t remove this effect, and the increased resistant starch may improve insulin sensitivity.
Drawbacks and considerations
- White rice has a high glycemic index. It is digested quickly, leading to a rapid rise in blood sugar. A quick spike can trigger a strong insulin response and leave you tired or hungry shortly after eating.
- Portion size and preparation matter. The glycemic effect of rice depends on how much you eat and what you pair it with. Combining white rice with protein (chicken) and healthy fats or fibre-rich vegetables can moderate the glucose rise. Cooling rice overnight to increase resistant starch further reduces its impact.
- Food safety and cholesterol. Chicken must be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 °F and handled properly to avoid foodborne illness. Although chicken is lean, it contains some cholesterol; individuals on a low-cholesterol diet should monitor portion sizes.
Bottom line
Chicken and rice can fit into a blood-sugar-friendly diet when prepared thoughtfully. Choose skinless chicken breast for lean protein and pair rice with vegetables or healthy fats. Cooling rice before reheating increases resistant starch and lowers its glycemic impact. Opt for brown rice when possible for more fibre and a slower rise in blood glucose, and always practice safe food handling when preparing chicken.
Leave a comment