Easy cooking hack reduces calories in carbs by 'up to 50%' and costs nothing

An NHS surgeon and lifestyle guru has shared details of a cooking hack that can reduce carbohydrates and calorie intake by "up to 50%" and costs nothing to implement.

Dr Karan Rajan, who regularly shares health tips via Instagram, explained there are a series of benefits to enjoying carb-rich foods second time around. "If you love rice and you love leftovers, this is going to be your favourite food science hack," Dr Rajan enthused.

He went on to explain: "Pretty much any leftovers that contain carbs - rice, bread, pasta, potatoes, legumes, oats - when you cook it and cool it or freeze it, then reheat it, it will magically contain fewer calories when you eat it."

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Dr Rajan revealed the science behind chemical process, explaining it is called retrogradation. "Basically the starches in those carb-rich foods are now resistant to digestion in the small intestine - but they do end up in your colon where your gut bacteria can feast on and ferment them."

The "carby-leftovers" become probiotics, however, "feeding beneficial bacterial species". Dr Rajan added that they can also reduce the risk of colon cancer and improve bowel regularity and stool bulk.

What's more, if your diabetic, resistant starch will have a "glycaemic impact" meaning it will reduce blood sugar spikes after eating and help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

"Additionally, resistant starch can increase feelings of fullness and reduce hunger pans because it ferments more slowly in the gut," Dr Rajan continued. "So by increasing satiety [the feeling of fullness], leftover carbs can actually increase portion control and weight management."

He closed by offering advice to those reluctant to cooking and cooling, recommending the consumption of "greenish bananas" as they too are high in resistant starch.

"My GP once explained this to me," one of Dr Rajan's followers said in response. "And I love leftovers! Especially potatoes." A second quipped: "So that's why pasta tastes better the second day!"

According to the NHS, meanwhile, its important to only reheat rice on one occasion to avoid any harm coming to babies and young children, who are "highly vulnerable to bacteria". Advice on its web site reads: "Make sure it's cooled within 1 hour and then goes straight in the fridge or freezer. Rice kept in the fridge should be eaten within 24 hours. Never reheat rice more than once."