Is Your Daily Rice Fuelling the Diabetes Epidemic?

India has, unfortunately, earned the title of the Diabetes Capital of the World – with 101 million diabetics and another 136 million pre-diabetics (ICMR, 2023).

But here’s the shocking part: 👉 One of the silent contributors to this crisis is the very rice we consume every day.

🚨 The Hidden Problem with Modern Rice

Most of the rice on our plates today is:

🔺 High Glycaemic Index (GI): Causes sudden spikes in blood sugar, stressing the pancreas & leading to insulin resistance.

🔺 Nutrient-Depleted: Polishing removes the protective bran layer, stripping away fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

🔺 Chemically Grown: Heavy reliance on pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and even plastic-coated urea not only affects health but damages soil & water ecosystems.

This isn’t the rice our grandparents ate.

🌱 What Our Ancestors Knew

For centuries, Indians thrived on native desi rice varieties like:

Kalanamak, Navara, Rajamudi, Chinthaluri Sannalu, Mappillai Samba, Black Rice, Bahurupi and many more.

These varieties were:

✅ Low GI & fibre-rich – balancing blood sugar naturally

✅ Non-GMO & chemical-free – grown using natural farming traditions

✅ Nutrient-dense – packed with iron, zinc, antioxidants & amino acids

✅ Sustainably cultivated – preserving soil, biodiversity & water

For our ancestors, rice was more than food – it was medicine.

💡 The Way Forward: Food as Preventive Healthcare

If we want to reverse India’s (and the world’s) diabetic crisis, the change starts on our plate.

• Farmers must be encouraged to revive & grow native varieties.
• Consumers must demand healthier, traditional alternatives.
• Policy Makers must support sustainable agriculture and protect heritage grains.

Switching back to traditional desi rice is not a trend – it’s a return to wisdom, wellness & sustainability.

🌍 A Global Call to Action

This isn’t just India’s problem. Rising diabetes rates are a global epidemic. Every culture has its forgotten grains – and reviving them is key to better health, stronger farming communities, and a more sustainable planet.

💬 What steps are you taking to choose healthier, traditional food in your daily life?

Let’s make our plates medicine for the body and soil.

🔁 Join the #RiceRevolution

Help spread the word – share this with your network and be part of the movement to bring back ancient grains. Together, we can build a healthier future.