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Are stale rotis healthier than fresh ones? Expert take | Health

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Not all leftover foods are unhealthy, and some may actually become more nutritious if stored in a right manner overnight. Many people consume baasi roti or stale roti in their breakfast while others discard them fearing spoilage. However, as per experts leftover rotis have their own set of benefits for diabetes and digestion and the process of freezing them overnight can increase resistant starch which could be beneficial in blood sugar control. Baasi or stale rotis should be best consumed in breakfast along with milk or vegetables, say experts. However, it’s better to consume them within 12-15 hours of preparing them and freezing them for best results. (Also read: Diabetes: Can eating cold leftover rice improve your blood sugar levels?)

Baasi or stale rotis should be best consumed in breakfast along with milk or vegetables, say experts.(Pinterest)
Baasi or stale rotis should be best consumed in breakfast along with milk or vegetables, say experts.(Pinterest)

Is stale roti better than fresh one?

“Wheat is one of the world’s most common and controversial cereal. It is a rich source of fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is a good source of carbohydrates and an energy food. Whole wheat flour ranks moderate on glycaemic index and high on glycaemic load, but it is also a good source of insoluble fibre which can be effective in reducing the postprandial blood response. Researchers suggest that repeated cycle of cooking and freezing increases the resistant starch which may potentially increase the healthy gut micro biota. Grains high in resistant starch improve human health and possess beneficial effects for diabetics. Further studies need to be carried to support the health benefits of stale rotis for diabetics,” says Nutritionist Priya Palan in an email interview with HT Digital.

The right way to consume leftover rotis

“Leftover rotis are an integral part of the Indian meals. People generally prefer it to be for breakfast. Adding it in the right manner may enhance the nutritional value of the food. Rotis contains more carbohydrates, hence combining them with vegetables and protein foods is advisable. Keeping a watch on the count of rotis is important. High amount of gluten in wheat can worsen irritable bowel disease and cause inflammation in digestive tract,” says Priya Palan.

Benefits and side effects of eating stale rotis

“Social media is abuzz with the benefits of baasi roti, or stale chapati. When left out for 12 hours, roti undergoes changes in taste, texture, and starch composition. It leads to formation of resistant starch, which acts like fibre and doesn’t break down into glucose as easily. However, the difference in glycaemic index between fresh and stale chapati may not significantly impact blood sugar control. If not stored properly, bacteria or Mold growth is possible. Consuming 12-hour-old roti is acceptable if stored correctly and appears fine, but fresh roti offers the best taste and texture. Note that there is a difference between roti made from fresh dough and fermented dough, as fermentation improves digestion, nutrient bioavailability, gut health, and adds unique flavour,” says Dr Khalid J Farooqui, Principal Consultant – Endocrinology & Diabetes, Max Hospital, Gurgaon.

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