Low GI Rice Options in India

Find the best low glycemic index rice varieties available in India. Compare brown rice, hand-pounded rice, and bamboo rice for healthy eating.

Clinical summary

Low GI rice varieties (GI < 55) like black rice, red rice, and RNR 15048 release glucose slowly, preventing insulin spikes. Cooling cooked rice increases resistant starch, further lowering effective GI.

Frequently asked questions

What is the GI of black rice?

Black rice has a GI of approximately 42-45, the lowest among commonly available rice varieties in India. It's also rich in anthocyanin antioxidants.

Does cooling rice lower its glycemic index?

Yes — cooling cooked rice for 12+ hours converts starch to resistant starch, lowering effective GI by 20-30%. Reheating does not reverse this effect.

Is hand-pounded rice better than polished rice?

Yes — hand-pounded rice retains more of the bran layer, providing higher fiber, vitamins, and minerals with a lower glycemic index than fully polished rice.

By Dr. Anagha Tulasi, PhD