This Is Why You Should Eat These 3 Foods Cold

This Is Why You Should Eat These 3 Foods Cold

Did you know some foods are healthier when eaten cold?

Eating certain foods cold can make them healthier. Pasta, potatoes, and white rice—often considered fattening—actually become better for your digestion and lower in calories when cooled. Here's how and why eating these foods cold can be beneficial.

When you cook and then cool foods like pasta, potatoes, and rice, a transformation occurs. Cooling them creates resistant starch, which has several health benefits:

  • Supports Gut Health: Resistant starch works similarly to fiber. Since it isn't fully digested, it passes through to the large intestine, where it's broken down by healthy gut bacteria. This process strengthens gut flora, which helps with digestion.
  • Regulates Blood Sugar: Resistant starch helps keep blood sugar levels stable after eating high-carb foods like pasta and potatoes. By slowing down digestion, it reduces the insulin response, helping you avoid energy crashes and cravings.
  • Fewer Calories: Cold pasta, potatoes, and rice contain fewer digestible calories. Since the body doesn't fully break down resistant starch, it absorbs fewer calories compared to when these foods are eaten hot. Though exact numbers vary, initial studies suggest cooling can reduce calorie absorption by about 10–20%.

Incorporating these foods cold is easy and doesn't mean giving up warm meals. Try these ideas:

Pasta Salad: Cook pasta, cool it in the fridge, and toss it with veggies and dressing for a quick, nutritious meal.

Potato Salad: Boil and cool potatoes, then add herbs, olive oil, and spices for a tasty, gut-friendly dish.

Cold Rice Bowls or Poke: Cold rice is perfect in a bowl with veggies, lean protein, and a splash of sauce.

If you prefer warm foods, reheating these items after they've cooled still keeps most of the resistant starch intact, so you don't lose the benefits.

By adding more resistant starch to your diet, you may improve digestion, support healthy blood sugar levels, and even reduce calorie intake. So next time you prepare a carb-rich meal, consider letting it cool down first to enjoy these added benefits. However, if you suffer from health conditions or have doubts about your diet, consult a specialist.