Roti vs Rice At Night: Which Is Lighter On Stomach And Helps In Better Digestion?

Roti vs Rice: Roti and rice are considered the staples of Indian households. Both of them are versatile and widely eaten across the country and provide ample health benefits. However, when it comes to dinner, people are often concerned about eating something that is light on the stomach and helps in better digestion. Dinner is the final meal of the day and what people eat before going to bed plays a crucial role in digestion, metabolism and even the quality of one's sleep. This is the time when people ask whether it is better to eat roti or rice at night. While both are carbohydrate-rich, they differ in fibre content, satiety and digestion speed. Here’s all you need to know whether to eat rice or roti at night for overall lifestyle and health goals.

How Roti Affects Digestion At Night?

Roti is usually made from whole wheat or multigrain flour, which is rich in fibre and takes time to be digested. This slow breakdown keeps the stomach full for longer and helps stabilise energy release. However, as it is heavier in nature, roti may not always feel comfortable for those who prefer a lighter stomach before bed.

ALSO READ: Roti vs Rice: What Should You Eat At Dinner For Better Sleep?

Benefits Of Eating Roti At Night

Roti keeps the stomach full for longer hours.

Maintain steady blood sugar levels.

Benefits the overall body after doing high activity at night.

However, those who are prone to acidity or have weaker digestion, rotis at night can feel heavy.

Rice vs Roti For Better Digestion And Overall Health (Image Credits: Canva)

How Rice Affects Digestion At Night

Rice, especially white rice, digests much faster because its fibrous bran layer is removed during processing. Its quick breakdown makes it a lighter dinner option. Many people also state that rice results in better sleep and less bloating at night.

Benefits Of Eating Rice At Night

Light on the stomach and absorbed quickly.

Helps relax the body by boosting serotonin levels.

Works for those who eat early dinners or have low activity levels.

However, rice may make people hungry sooner, especially if they eat dinner early. Pairing rice with dal, vegetables or lean protein helps create balance. Large portions of rice, especially with calorie-heavy accompaniments, can lead to weight gain.

ALSO READ: Which Roti Is Best For Rapid Weight Loss? 5 Protein-Rich Rotis To Add To Your Diet

Roti vs Rice: Which Is Lighter On Stomach At Night?

Roti and rice have equal calorie and carbohydrate content; however, roti is heavier and takes time to digest, keeping a person fuller for longer due to high fibre content. While those who prefer eating light at dinner, rice is a suitable option as it is easy to digest, owing to its low fibre content. However, whether you are having rice or roti for dinner, portion size plays an important role. Eating two medium rotis with vegetables and dal, or one small katori of rice with protein and greens, is generally considered balanced for dinner.