Navratri 2025: Why Sama Rice is Eaten During Fasting and Its Impact on Blood Sugar

Navratri 2025: The holy festival of Navratri has started. Over the next 9 days, people observe a period of fasting in worship of the Maa Durga. During the fast, special foods are consumed to provide the body with energy and nutrition. One of these is Sama Rice. Often, there is a question in the mind: why is this rice eaten, how is it different from normal rice, and whether it is the right choice for diabetes patients? Let's know the answers to these questions.

What is Sama Rice?

Sama rice, also called Barnyard Millet, is actually a type of millet, not normal rice. The tradition of eating them in the fast has been going on for centuries because they do not fall under the grain category. They are light, digestible, and rich in nutrition, which helps in keeping the body balanced during fasting.

Reason for eating rice of Sama in fast

• Treasure of Nutrition: Sama rice contains more fiber, protein, and micronutrients (calcium, iron, and magnesium) than normal rice. It does not allow the body to become weak during a fast and maintains energy.
• Easy to digest: When the digestive system slows down due to fast, the rice of Sama does not put too much pressure on the stomach due to being light and digestible.
• Gluten-Free: These are gluten-free, making them a great option for people with gluten allergies or those who follow a gluten-free diet.

Effect on blood sugar & benefits in diabetes

The most important thing for diabetes patients is whether eating Sama rice during fasting is safe.

• Low glycemic index: The glycemic index of Sama rice is very low. This means that it is slowly digested and releases sugar in the body slowly.
• Blood Sugar Control: It does not allow blood sugar to rise suddenly due to being low GI.
• Better insulin response: It helps improve the functionality of insulin in the body.

In contrast, normal rice has a high glycemic index, which can increase blood sugar rapidly. Therefore, there is a better and safer option for diabetes patients during the Sama rice fast.

Other benefits

• Help in weight loss: It has fewer calories and more fiber. It keeps the stomach full for a long time and seems to make one less hungry.
• Strengthens bones: The presence of calcium and phosphorus helps strengthen bones.
• Keeping the digestive system healthy: Due to the good amount of fiber, it relieves constipation and other digestive problems.

Sama's rice is not only a delicious and mild option during the fast but is also very beneficial in terms of nutrition and health. This can prove to be a better option than normal rice for diabetes patients, especially. If you are consuming Sama rice during this Navratri fast, then it will help you to stay healthy as well as keep your health balanced.