The Story of White Rice in India

Polished Deception: How British Colonial Milling Stripped India's Rice of Its Nutritional Essence


During British colonial rule in the 19th century, the introduction of mechanical milling processes transformed India's rice consumption. Traditional hand-pounded methods, which preserved the nutrient-rich bran and germ layers, were replaced by techniques that produced polished white rice. This shift prioritized taste, shelf life and visual appeal over nutritional value, leading to widespread health issues.

The removal of essential nutrients, particularly thiamine (vitamin B₁), resulted in a surge of beriberi cases - a neurological disease linked to thiamine deficiency. Ironically, the discarded rice polishings, rich in these vital nutrients, were often fed to livestock or discarded, exacerbating the problem. 

This colonial-era change not only altered dietary habits but also had lasting health implications for the Indian populace. The preference for polished rice, driven by colonial trade interests, overshadowed traditional practices that valued the holistic nutritional profile of unprocessed grains.

You can read more in the book Sacred Holistic Health.

Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 3, 2025 at 10:35 AM

    Thanks to the Indian devi who gave a one star rating to the book "Sacred Holistic Health" who believes in the dualistic worship of one of the 30 million gods in India and considers white rice as Indian tradition. The Advaita Vedanta saints have a lot more to offer than modern Indian tradition.

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