Dr. Padma S

Rice vs. Chapati

Rice is one of the more commonly consumed grains, providing 20 percent of the world's energy from food. Chapati is a type of unleavened bread commonly consumed by people when they eat Indian food. Both of these foods can be nutritious side dishes, but chapatis are a bit more nutrient dense than rice.

Macronutrients

A 1/3-cup serving of rice contains 80 calories, 1 gram of protein, 0.1 gram of fat and 18 grams of carbohydrate. A small, 6-inch chapati contains 71 calories, 3 grams of protein, 0.4 gram of fat and 15 grams of carbohydrates, including 2 grams of fiber. The chapati is lower in calories and provides more protein and fiber, both of which help you keep feeling full for longer.

Vitamins

Both rice and chapatis provide folate, a water-soluble B vitamin that is essential for making DNA and forming new cells, including the red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout your body. Folate also helps prevent neural-tube birth defects, so it is especially important for women who are pregnant or could become pregnant. Rice is the better source, providing 15 percent of the daily value for folate per serving compared with 4 percent of the DV in each chapati.

Minerals

Each serving of chapatis provides you with 6 percent of the DV for phosphorus, 5 percent of the DV for iron and magnesium, 2 percent of the DV for potassium and 1 percent of the DV for calcium. A serving of rice provides the same amount of iron but less phosphorus and magnesium, with 2 percent of the DV for each of these nutrients, and less potassium, with 1 percent of the DV. Rice doesn't contain any calcium. Phosphorus is important for kidney function and cell repair, iron is needed for forming red blood cells, and magnesium helps regulate your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Use

When eating Indian food, chapatis are torn into smaller pieces and used to help scoop up the main dish. Rice is used to help soak up liquids and stretch the meal to make it more filling. Brown rice is a healthier option, since it contains more fiber and micronutrients, so opt for brown basmati rice if it is available rather than white. For the healthiest Indian meals, start your meal with either Rasam soup or mulligatawny soup if it is broth-based instead of the fried appetizers on the menu, and then order dal and either tandoori chicken or palak paneer for your main dish to go with your chapatis and rice.

Considerations

While chapatis are higher in fiber, protein and micronutrients than rice, with the exception of folate, they are also higher in sodium. Rice doesn't contain any sodium unless you add salt to it, but each chapati contains 131 milligrams of sodium, or 5 percent of the DV. If you are watching your sodium intake, rice might be the better option.

What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is defined as allergic symptoms in the nasal passage. Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal (occurring during specific seasons) or perennial (occurring year round). The allergens that most commonly cause seasonal allergic rhinitis include pollens from trees, grasses and weeds, as well as spores from fungi and moulds. The allergens that most commonly cause perennial allergic rhinitis are house dust mites, cockroaches, animal dander and fungi or moulds. Perennial allergic rhinitis tends to be more difficult to treat.

How does allergic rhinitis occur ?

This condition occurs when allergens (allergy- causing substances) come into contact with the nose, and usually also the ears, sinuses, and the throat. When allergens come in contact with the lining of the nose and sinuses, they trigger the cells to release the chemical histamine, which causes the allergy symptoms described below.

What are the symptoms ?

• Nasal congestion 
• Sneezing 
• Watery " runny nose" 
• Itchy eyes,nose,or throat 
• Puffy eyes or 'allergic shiners'
• Post nasal drip 
• Tears 

These symptoms may occur during a certain season or year long. They can occur at any age. 

Risk factors for allergic rhinitis

Allergies can affect anyone, but you’re more likely to develop allergic rhinitis if your family has a history of allergies. Some external factors can trigger or worsen this condition, including:

• cigarette smoke
• chemicals
• cold temperatures
• humidity
• wind
• air pollution
• hairspray
• perfumes
• colognes
• wood smoke
• fumes

Ayurvedic concept of rhinitis:

As per Ayurveda, Allergic rhinitis is compared with Vata- Kaphaja pratishaya. The concept of Ama, Asatmya and virudh aahara also predict the allergic conditions.

Ama is the product of impaired digestion and metabolism. It affects Rasa and Rakta Dhatu leading to manifestation of Pratishyaya. Wrong food combinations (Virudh aahar) having antagonist properties like fish with milk, fruit juice with milk, clarified butter with honey, ice cream after night meals, etc. leads to allergy.

Ayurveda believes in balancing the three doshas present in the human body, thus treating the disease on the whole. Treatment involves clearing the sinuses and expelling phlegm, alleviating the relevant dosha and detoxification. To permanently resolve this disorder, dietary and lifestyle adjustments may be necessary in addition to the strengthening of the immune system. Panchakarma is an effective means of treating Allergic Rhinitis.

Ayurvedic treatment for allergic rhinitis:

1. If the symptoms are severe and in chronic conditions, Vamana Panchakarma treatment, followed by Virechana is administered. This helps to relieve Ama and balance Tridosha.
2. In some cases, where the patient has normal digestion strength, Nasya treatment (nasal drops therapy) is administered with herbal oils such as Anu taila or Shadbindu Taila. 
3. After the above Panchakarma treatments, Ayurvedic medicines are administered to improve respiratory immunity and strength of upper respiratory tract.

Useful Ayurvedic medicines in treating allergic rhinitis:

1. Nimbarajanyadi tablet – Contains neem and turmeric as main ingredients.
2. Chavikasavam – Fermented Ayurvedic liquid, also used in urinary tract disorders.
3. Mahalaxmi Vilas Ras – Also useful in the treatment of skin diseases, diabetes, Sinus, non healing wounds, etc.

Other medicines: Narada lakshmi vilas rasa, Anand bhairava rasa, tribhuvan kirti rasa, shringarabharaka rasa, Mayur shringa bhasma, Abhraka bhasma, Lavangadi pills, Sitopaladi choorna, Marichayadi yoga, vyoshadi pills, Khadiradi pills are suggested.

Diet management:

1. Take – Light food, lukewarm water, Kapha nashaka foods like little spicy food, saindhav salt, legumes, soups etc.
2. Avoid – heavy food, fermented food, congestive food, too hot or too cold food, soar food, non vegetarian food, sweets, banana, curd, yogurt, ice creams, deserts, cakes, yellow grams, etc.
3. Avoid Alcohol and cold beverages.

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