The Internet is a well of information, but not always of wisdom and above all, on social networks, home remedies are not always the panacea that they promise. One of the latest trends on TikTok is ricezempic, which was born in the shadow of the drug Ozempic, which was initially used in patients with diabetes and is now also used for weight loss.
This drink, made simply by soaking raw rice in water and consuming the resulting liquid, has been promoted as a natural alternative to drugs which it seems that some celebrities have resorted to to transform their body.
Defenders of this trend argue that this concoction is capable of suppressing appetite and prolong the feeling of satiety due to its resistant starch contenta type of dietary fiber that some studies show can slow digestion and help stabilize blood sugar levels.
However, while the idea may seem appealing, the reality is that claims about the effectiveness of ricezempic They lack a solid scientific basis and nutrition experts are skeptical on its ability to mimic the effects of clinically tested medications.
Skeptical experts
Ozempic and other similar medications, such as Wegovy and Trulicity, They are agonists of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor. a class of drugs that not only slow down digestion, contributing to a prolonged feeling of satiety, but also act directly on the brain centers that regulate appetite and emotional responses to food.
This mechanism of action is complex and multifaceted, and cannot be replicated by simply consuming rice water. Dietitian Lisa Moskovitz at Healthlineamong other experts, has stressed that, although the resistant starch present in the liquid promoted by different social media users may have certain health benefits, such as improving digestion and helping to control glucose levels, its amount in the drink is minimal and its impact on weight loss is negligible compared to the effects of appetite-regulating medications.
resistant starch
The concept of resistant starch as a weight loss aid is based on its ability to slow digestion and reduce fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which in theory it could help maintain satiety and avoid hunger spikes which often lead to overeating. However, the resistant starch content in Ricezempic is extremely low, especially when compared to more concentrated sources such as legumes, cooked and cooled potatoes, and whole grains.
Several studies have shown that these foods, when included regularly in the diet, can offer significant benefits for metabolic health and appetite regulation, but There is no evidence to suggest that simply consuming rice water has a similar impact.. In fact, the amount of resistant starch that dissolves in the water during rice soaking is probably negligible, making this liquid an ineffective option for those looking to lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way.
Arsenic exposure
In addition to its ineffectiveness, it also poses potential risks that should not be ignored. One of the greatest dangers associated with the consumption of this drink is the possibility of exposure to arsenic, a toxic heavy metal commonly found in rice. Although this is present in varying concentrations depending on the region where the rice is grown, soaking this raw food in water can increase the concentration of the metal in the resulting liquid, which could have long-term adverse health effects if used. consume regularly.
Another critical point that must be considered is the replacement of complete and nutritious foods with the consumption of a drink such as Ricezempic. By opting for this instead of a balanced meal, there is a risk of reducing the intake of essential nutrients which are necessary for optimal functioning of the body.
Even nutritionist Kim Shapira warns, in the same publication, that, although resistant starch can be beneficial for intestinal and metabolic health, It is preferable to obtain it from whole food sources, such as whole grains and legumes, which also provide a wide range of other nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.
Furthermore, the quality of satiety provided by this mixture is lower than that obtained by consuming whole foods such as soups. While medications like Ozempic have a long half-life and act for several days to maintain satiety, The effect of drinking Ricezempic is short-lived, lasting only a few hours. This is because, simply by consuming the liquid, you do not obtain the same amount of fiber and other satiating components found in cooked rice, which also offers a more complete nutritional profile.
There are better options
For those interested in improving their resistant starch intake, there are more effective and healthier methods than using Ricezempic. Cooking and cooling rice, for example, significantly increases resistant starch contentand this cereal can be consumed as part of a balanced meal that also includes protein, healthy fats and other complex carbohydrates.
Likewise, cooked and cooled legumes and potatoes They are rich sources of resistant starch and have been shown to be effective in improving metabolic health and supporting weight loss when consumed regularly.