The Benefits and Safety of Eating Leftover Rice

We've previously highlighted that eating leftover carbohydrates can offer metabolic benefits. Cooling rice and pasta alters their chemical structure, creating "resistant starch." This form of starch allows your body to absorb about half as many calories compared to regular starch. While the calorie difference isn't enormous, it reinforces the idea that you don't need to avoid carbs. Plus, refrigerating leftovers instead of discarding them can help reduce calorie intake.

Some people, influenced by social media, worry that rice becomes contaminated with bacteria after just 24 hours, making it an unsafe leftover option. Fortunately, this concern is unfounded. Research shows that you can safely store rice in the fridge for 4 to 6 days. The crucial factor in preventing bacterial growth is to avoid leaving your rice out for more than 1-2 hours at room temperature. As long as you follow this guideline, your leftover rice is safe to eat.