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So important to our everyday meals as Indians, traditional Indian chapati or roti and rice are rich in vital nutrients and healthy carbs. When eaten at night during dinner, these foods greatly affect our digestion, feeling of fullness, and sleep quality. Made from whole wheat or a mix of grains, roti is high in fiber and digests slowly, providing steady energy and avoiding sudden increases in blood sugar. Rice, however, has less fiber and breaks down quickly, making it lighter on our stomach and easier to handle before bed, especially if eaten in moderate amounts. Since dinner is the final meal of the day before we sleep, it is crucial for determining how comfortable our digestion is, how well our metabolism works, and our overall health. Thus, choosing what to eat for dinner becomes an important decision and fuels the discussion about roti versus rice. While both are high in carbohydrates, they differ in fiber content, digestion speed, blood sugar response, and nutritional value.

For those facing digestive issues, it is even more vital to choose wisely and avoid problems such as bloating, acidity, heartburn, and disturbed sleep. Consuming foods that are quick to digest at night can enhance our metabolism and improve our sleep. In contrast, heavier meals keep the stomach too active when it should be resting. This can cause digestive troubles and interfere with our sleep.

Both roti and rice have their advantages and disadvantages when eaten at night. Roti, which is made from whole wheat or multigrain flour, is very high in dietary fiber, which slows digestion and helps us feel satisfied and energized for a longer time. Eating rotis for dinner can be especially helpful for those who engage in intense physical activities in the evening. For others, it helps keep blood sugar levels stable. However, eating too many rotis, particularly for those with sensitive stomachs, may result in issues like bloating, discomfort at night, and disrupted sleep.

Eating a lot of rice at night can also cause digestive stress and other health concerns. But because rice contains less fiber, it typically breaks down more quickly in our stomach, supporting better sleep. Rice feels lighter and reduces the risk of consuming too many calories at night.