Archana Puran Singh’s younger son has been asked to avoid roti: ‘Bechara…steamed rice’

According to Sheikh, many view roti as the healthier choice because it has more fibre, especially if made from whole wheat. “Rice often gets a bad rap for causing weight gain or blood sugar spikes. But food doesn’t act alone. The amount, cooking method, meal makeup, and a person’s nutritional needs matter much more than just one ingredient.”

Why would a nutritionist recommend avoiding roti and opting for steamed rice?

There could be several reasons. “Some people find rice easier to digest than wheat. If someone has bloating, discomfort, or specific gut issues, rice might be a better temporary choice,” said Sheikh.

Is steamed rice healthy? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

In some fitness or body-composition plans, nutritionists might change carbohydrate sources based on workout schedules, calorie goals, or individual reactions to foods. “Rice is often easier to digest and can be useful around exercise times because it gets absorbed pretty quickly,” said Sheikh.

However, this doesn’t mean roti is unhealthy or that everyone should stop eating it, she contended.

Should people begin replacing rotis after hearing these discussions?

Diet plans are very personal. “A food that works for one person may not work for another. Social media and celebrity discussions often suggest that cutting out a certain food automatically improves health, but nutrition doesn’t usually work that way. The focus should be on balance, not on labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” Rather than asking if rice is better than roti, a more useful question is whether the overall meal includes the right portions of carbohydrates, protein, fibre, and healthy fats,” said Sheikh.