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What is Pica
Pica is a condition characterised by persistent eating of non-nutritive, non-food substances for at least 1 month. Other than rice, some people also eat clay, soil, chalk, or ice. Pica is an eating disorder often associated with nutritional deficiencies, pregnancy, or a mental health condition.Pregnant women with chronic iron deficiency often crave non-food items and find it difficult to resist the urge. If you are preparing for pregnancy, and constantly crave raw rice or other non-nutritive items, it signals an iron or zinc deficiency. It is also linked with reduced fertility, poor energy reserves for a supportive foetus, and risk of complications in early pregnancy.
Nutritional Deficiencies Associated with Eating Uncooked Rice
Eating rice before pregnancy can damage the gut lining and increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies due to its high levels of antinutritional compounds, including phytic acid, tannins, lectins, oxalate, trypsin, and arsenic. These compounds block mineral absorption, creating cravings. Eating raw rice directly affects fertility, egg quality, and foetal development. Here are some nutrient deficiencies associated with eating raw rice.Iron is important for oxygen transport and brain function. Raw rice, especially if you consume it regularly, can lead to iron deficiency. The uncooked rice contains phytate, which is an antinutrient that binds iron in the gut and prevents absorption.
Women who consume raw rice regularly may absorb less dietary iron from other foods, which may lead to fatigue and reduced oxygen transport. Iron deficiency also affects the tongue and taste receptors, which can affect interest in other foods.
Zinc
Zinc plays a big part in cell division, DNA synthesis, and hormonal regulation. Consuming uncooked rice negatively affects zinc status in the body due to phytic acid, which inhibits zinc absorption in the body.Low zinc levels may affect egg quality and hormonal regulation. It also changes your taste and may result in raw and non-nutritive substances. If you are planning for pregnancy, zinc Deficiency may impair your fertility, affect egg maturation and menstrual cycle.
Calcium
Calcium is vital for bone health, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. Eating uncooked rice again inhibits the absorption of calcium. Calcium inadequacy disrupts brain and nerve communication and contributes to irritability and restlessness.Calcium Deficiency in women planning pregnancy may affect uterine muscle function and hormone responsiveness, posing reproductive challenges.
B Vitamins
The antinutrients in raw rice cause digestive issues and hinder nutrient absorption. Cooked rice increases B vitamins and reduces anyi-nitrients. Folate is important for fetal development and neural tube formation. Insufficient folate may cause inflammation and DNA methylation.Along with these, consuming raw rice may cause protein and energy deficiencies. Raw starch fills the stomach without nutrition and can harm hormonal health.
Risks of Eating Raw Rice
- Food Poisoning: Raw rice harbours harmful bacteria called B. cereus. It is commonly found in soil and can contaminate rice. This bacterium can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach ache. However, cooked rice loses the bacteria due to its high temperature.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Antinutrients present in the raw rice reduce the absorption of nutrients from other foods. Humans are unable to digest antinutrients, so they travel through the digestive tract and damage gut walls. The digestive system has to work harder, which leads to bloating, stomachaches, constipation, and irregular bowel movements.
- Energy Imbalance: Raw rice provides empty calories, which can impair glucose resale and blood sugar levels. The body works hard to digest the rice without any nutrition, which can elevate cortisol levels and disrupt insulin sensitivity and lead to PCOS and reproductive challenges.
- Reduced Nutrient Absorption: Antinutrients like phytates and lectins make the minerals and nutrients less bioavailable. Due to the nutrient deficiency, you crave more raw rice, and it can affect metabolism and fertility.
- Contamination: Raw rice may carry bacteria, toxins, and heavy metals. These can chase food and damage the kidney and liver.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Micronutrients and metabolism are crucial for regular hormonal function. Nutrient deficiency caused by consuming raw rice can affect estrogen and progesterone balance, irregular menstrual cycles and affect fertility.
- Mental Health: Raw rice worsens micronutrient deficiencies and impairs brain function. Iron deficiency reduces oxygen transport to the brain and can cause fatigue, irritability, and poor concentration. Zinc deficiency can disrupt serotonin and is linked to anxiety disorders.
Better Alternatives to Curb Raw Rice Craving
If you are a chronic raw rice eater, consult with your doctor before preparing for pregnancy. They might run some tests and identify the nutrient deficiency and prescribe supplements. Once you identify the deficiency, plan your diet to rebuild stores. Prioritise iron, zinc, folate, and other minerals and micronutrient-rich foods. Hydrate well to detox your body. Incorporate probiotics and probiotics to repair the gut microbiome and improve mineral Absorption.
When you are planning for pregnancy, you need to be cautious about your environment and consumption. Once you are pregnant, your body demands nutrients, especially iron, calcium, zinc, folate, and other micro and macro nutrients for circulation, fetal development, and maternal health. If your body already has a nutritional deficiency before pregnancy, it can increase complications. Completely avoid eating raw rice and opt for better replacements that are safe and nutrient-dense.
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FAQs on Love Eating Raw Rice? Here's What Happens When You Eat Uncooked Rice Before Pregnancy
- Is it safe to eat raw while pregnant?
Fully cooked food is recommended during pregnancy. Raw food or half-cooked foods can carry harmful bacteria and pesticides, which can pose serious risks like miscarriage, stillbirth, and impair fetal development. Avoid any kind of raw foods, raw meat, and raw rice. Only eat thoroughly cooked foods for better Nutrient absorption and a positive pregnancy journey. - Does eating raw rice cause acne?
Eating raw rice does not directly cause acne or pimples. Cooked White rice is high in glycemic index, which can raise blood sugar levels and insulin, leading to oil production and inflammation, resulting in pimples. Consuming raw rice can cause food poisoning, nutritional deficiency and gastrointestinal tract issues.