Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2025

Author Spotlight: Streamlining Rice Breeding with CRISPR/Cas for Obtaining Optimal Phenotypic and Agronomic Traits
Published on: January 3, 2025
Functions of high glycemic index carbohydrates: Exploring the effect of amorphous rice starch digestibility on
Tao Sheng1, Lai Mang1, Yujie Wu1
1Key Laboratory of Jianghuai Agricultural Product Fine Processing and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Anhui Engineering Research Center for High Value Utilization of Characteristic Agricultural Products, College of Food and Nutrition, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; Food Processing Research Institute, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
Abstract:
The digestive characteristics of amorphous starch in cooked rice have rarely been studied from a metabolic perspective. This study explores the effects of cooked rice starch on glycometabolism in rats to explore the role of high glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates in the daily diet. Utilizing X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy allowed the structure of amorphous starch to be probed, while rats were subjected to a long-term pre-prandial gavage intervention (glucose as a positive control and normal saline as a negative control) to assess the effects of high GI carbohydrates on glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and markers of glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle (SIRT1, PGC-1α, GSK-3β, GLUT4). Results showed that high-GI carbohydrates significantly enhanced systemic insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and skeletal muscle glucose metabolism. Waxy rice starch (WRS), containing a high amylopectin content (98.57 %), was found to be particularly effective due to its high rapidly digestible starch (RDS) content (66.01 %) and a GI of 102 after cooked into an amorphous state. Consequently, it can be concluded that a long-term moderate intake of amorphous rice starch induces the body to increase insulin sensitivity and improve glycometabolism. These findings emphasize the functional characteristics of high-GI starchy foods, offering a more profound understanding of carbohydrate-based diets.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Acarbose and miglitol are...
Overview of Carbohydrate Metabolism
Glucose transport into cells is facilitated by a family of transport proteins called GLUT (Glucose Transporters). GLUT4 is the primary glucose transporter for insulin-stimulated glucose...
Introduction to Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by...
Carbohydrate Digestion

