White rice is bad for you -- what next?

Can white rice, a staple food for half of the world's people, be bad for you? A study published by the Harvard School of Public Health suggests that people who eat too much white rice may significantly increase their odds of developing type 2 diabetes. 

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Researchers based their findings on four previous studies that followed more than 352,000 people from China, Japan, Australia, and the US. The studies made note of people who developed type 2 diabetes between four and 22 years after the start of the study.

The studies found that people who ate the most white rice were 1.5 times more likely to develop diabetes than people who ate the least amount of white rice. Specifically, the study found that for every 5.5 ounce serving of white rice, a person's risk rose 10 percent.

The researchers wrote, "This applies for both Asian and Western cultures, although due to findings suggesting that the more rice eaten the higher the risk, it is thought that Asian countries are at a higher risk." 

They current thought is that rice is quickly converted into sugar by the body, causing a spike in blood sugar levels as well as the proverbial rapid onset of hunger. The onset of hunger can lead to overeating, which is another risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

Doctors also pointed out that white rice wasn't the only culprit in this mechanic. Pastas, white bread, and white potatoes also carry much the same risk.

Doctors say that eating one to two servings of white rice per week is fine, but eating more could be a factor in increased diabetes risk.

Ultimately, moderation is the secret in all healthy habits. Any food or habit, done in excess, can cause harm. 

The results were published in the March 15 issue of the British Medical Journal.

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