Is eating dry rice or rice with soup better for your health? Experts give surprising answers!

Many people wonder whether eating dry rice or rice with soup is better for health. Here is the expert's opinion.

Should I eat dry rice or rice with soup?

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Lam Vinh Nien - Head of the Department of Nutrition - Dietetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, eating habits depend on each individual's preferences, some people like to eat dry rice with food, others only like to eat rice with soup. However, everyone just needs to chew carefully when eating, whether eating dry rice or eating rice with soup, it will not harm the stomach.

"In addition, whether eating dry rice or rice with soup, the digestive system still functions normally. When food enters the stomach, it will be mixed and nutrients will also be absorbed," Associate Professor Nien explained.

Regarding the view that eating dry rice will help people chew more thoroughly and help nutrients absorb into the body quickly, Associate Professor Nien said that up to now there is no clear basis to say that eating dry rice is better for the stomach.

"We need to understand that the process of digesting food in the stomach is a mechanical mixing process. Digesting food is not the main function of the stomach but the function of the small intestine. Until now, there is no evidence to prove that eating rice with soup or eating dry rice is good for the stomach ," Dr. Nien analyzed.

According to Associate Professor Nien, eating rice with soup or dry rice depends on the needs and health status of each individual.

People who want to lose weight and consume less energy should drink a glass of water, eat soup before eating rice or eat rice with soup to help the stomach feel full faster, thereby reducing the amount of food consumed. Eating rice with soup is also suitable for the elderly who have problems chewing and swallowing.

However, eating rice with soup is not suitable for people with malnutrition. The reason is that eating rice with soup will reduce the amount of food taken into the body. This condition, if prolonged, can make malnutrition worse.

Dr. Nien said: "Each individual will be suitable for a different way of eating. If people feel that eating dry rice makes their stomach uncomfortable, they can switch to eating rice with soup or vice versa."

Some notes during meals

Experts say that during meals, people need to pay attention to the following things to ensure health:

You should eat slowly and chew thoroughly to fully enjoy the taste of the food and create conditions for organs to coordinate and function smoothly.

Carbonated drinks should not be consumed during meals because the amount of carbon dioxide in these drinks can easily increase pressure on the stomach, leading to acute gastric dilation.

In case you find it difficult to swallow dry rice, you can add a little broth or soup to make it easier to chew.

You should focus on eating , do not talk while eating or eat while watching TV, reading stories, etc.

After eating, everyone should sit down and rest, avoid heavy work or overexertion.

People who want to lose weight and consume less energy should drink a glass of water, eat soup before eating rice or eat rice with soup to help the stomach feel full faster, thereby reducing the amount of food consumed. Eating rice with soup is also suitable for the elderly who have problems chewing and swallowing.

However, eating rice with soup is not suitable for people with malnutrition. The reason is that eating rice with soup will reduce the amount of food taken into the body. This condition, if prolonged, can make malnutrition worse.