Rice, primarily composed of carbohydrates, provides about 200 calories per cooked cup, with white rice offering around 45 grams of carbs and very little fat. It is a quick source of energy but is often criticised for its high glycaemic index (GI), particularly in its white form, which can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.

A US health study shows that cutting fat from diet leads to more fat loss than reducing carbohydrates.