Cold rice is often kept for later meals because it still looks normal and has no strange smell. This is what makes many people subjective about eating rice.
However, according to health experts, ripe rice can quickly become a favorable environment for bacteria to grow if not properly stored and heated.
Dr. Amy Shah, a medical doctor and nutritionist at Harvard University, warned that the most common mistake is not in storing rice in the refrigerator, but in handling rice after cooking.
According to Dr. Shah, storing rice in the refrigerator is actually beneficial for health if done properly. After cooking, the rice should be cooled quickly and put in a sealed container and kept in the refrigerator.
When eaten again the next day, part of the starch in the rice will be converted into resistant starch, which is a type of starch that is beneficial for the intestines, helping to improve the blood sugar response and support the digestive microbiome.
However, the real danger arises when cooked rice is left at room temperature for too long.
The biggest mistake is leaving rice on the stove for hours, even a day, before putting it in the refrigerator or steaming it back to eat, Dr. Shah emphasized. This is something that many people do every day without realizing the risks.
At room temperature, rice is an ideal environment for Bacillus cereus bacteria to grow. This bacteria can produce food poisoning with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
In rare cases, severe infections can lead to serious dehydration and require hospitalization.
According to Dr. Shah, this is basic food safety knowledge taught in medical schools. She especially warns students, single people or those who have the habit of eating out for a long time to be very careful.
To limit the risk, this expert gives a simple advice that after cooking, cool the rice as soon as possible, put it in a sealed container and store in the refrigerator.
When eating again, you should only heat it once and make sure the rice is heated evenly. If the rice has been left at room temperature for too long, it is best not to regret but to throw it away to protect your health.
(The article is for reference only, not a replacement for professional advice. Always consult a doctor or medical professional if you have any questions).
