Why Eat White Rice Can Make Sleepy

Rice has become the main food for the people of Indonesia. Not complete when eating without rice. Some people also think if you have not met rice like not eating yet. But many also mentioned that eating rice makes sleepy.

Drowsiness and weakness after eating can be one of the body's reaction to the process of chemical changes in the digestive system. This means that this is normal for everyone. However, is it true to eat rice make sleepy?

White rice is a good source of calories. One cup of white rice contains about 165 calories. Most of the calories in rice come from carbohydrates, with carbohydrate content per portion of 35 grams.

Because of the high content of carbohydrates and calories, then white rice is usually used as the main food menu. As a staple food, white rice can provide a great source of energy for the body.

Rice also contains a protein of 3.3 grams. Not to forget, white rice contains many minerals and vitamins that are beneficial to the body such as vitamin D, iron, fiber, calcium, riboflavin and thiamine.

As foods that contain high carbohydrate, rice also has high glycemic index value. The glycemic index itself is the standard used to measure how quickly certain foods increase blood sugar levels.

This causes the drowsiness arise after eating rice. How can it be like that? This is because the human body will react to the nutrient intake obtained.

The body needs enormous energy to break down the carbohydrate components which will then be absorbed by the body's cells. The process can trigger an increase in blood sugar in the body. Well, so that not too much sugar in the body, pancreatic organs will then produce a hormone called insulin.
Insulin can increase levels of tryptophan in the brain. Furthermore, tryptophan will raise hormone levels called serotonin and melatonin.

Both of these hormones are closely related to the appearance of drowsiness. Serotonin makes you feel calm and comfortable. While melatonin itself is a hormone that will be produced so that the body can rest. So do not be surprised if after you eat rice, especially in large portions, you will feel sleepy.

How to prevent it?

Although eating rice makes sleepy, it does not mean the rice is not good at all. You can still eat rice without worry so sleepy. Here are tips to prevent sleepiness after eating rice that you can apply.

Eat rice from brown rice, brown rice, or black rice as an alternative staple food. The types of rice have a lower glycemic index value than white rice. Therefore, you can still mengonsumsinya without fear of drowsiness.

Consume more protein such as fish or chicken into the diet. You can also eat healthy types of fat foods such as avocados, nuts, tofu, and whole grains.

If you feel weak or sleepy after eating rice, try walking for 20 minutes. Performing physical activity will increase the energy levels in the body and dissipate sleepiness.

Drinking enough water, because the lack of water can make you more weak. It is advisable to drink about eight glasses of water per day.

Do not eat excessive rice. Try to balance the portion of the meal with other nutrients such as low-fat protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.