7 leftovers that are good for you

Make the most of leftovers instead of throwing them away They have some surprising benefits

Ah, leftovers. The inevitable happens when you have made too much, or haven't been able to finish your meal. And in most cases, these are thrown away. However, leftovers can come in very handy, and surprisingly have health benefits that you may have been unaware of because of some chemical reactions that occur when left overnight, scientists have discovered that include trim waists and glowing skins.


Here are some list of leftover foods that are good for you.

1. Rice 

Rice, when chilled overnight, loses up to 60% calories than freshly cooked. However, the American Chemical Society states that for maximum benefit, you have to cook the rice in a proper way. Add coconut oil - about 3% of the weight of the rice- while cooking and refrigerate it for 12 hours. The process changes the starch into resistant starch, which human body cannot digest.  That being said, scientists' have also cautioned that certain bacteria, like the bacillus cereus bacteria  can survive cooking. Commonly found on rice, this bacteria naturally germinates in cold temperature and produce a neurotoxin that leads to food poisoning.

2. Beef Soup 

Cook the bones with water and a splash of cider vinegar. This helps the collagen in the bones to break down into gelatin, which is excellent for one's skin. The complex chemical reactions that take place when the broth is left overnight, makes the protein, calcium, cartilage, and magnesium in the bone easier to digest.  

3. Cheese

Much like wine, the longer the cheese age, the lactose content of  it decreases making it  easier to digest, and  in turn making you less prone to stomach aches, bloating or even diarrhea. 

4. Vegetables

Vegetables like garlic and onion with insoluble fiber cause issues like irritable bowel syndrome. Overcooking such vegetables will soften the fiber that causes bloating. Reheating helps to soften them further. 

5. Potatoes

The thing about indigestible starch in cooked potatoes is that once cooled it  jumps from 7% to 13% . This is said to help fight against colon cancer, reduce fat storage and prevents constipation. And since it does not switch to  regular starch upon reheating, your best bet is to saute it and make a nice dry Indian potato dish or have it as a potato salad. 

6. Red meat

Keeping red meat overnight, helps the meat to become softer and more easily digestible than previously.  It is especially good for those suffering from anemia. 

7. Pasta

Reheated pasta behaves more like high-fibre food and hence will reduce chances of putting on weight. It will also reduce the increase of sugar level by half and hence lower the chances of developing diabetes. Researchers reveal that freshly cooked pasta can contribute to conditions like Type 2 diabetes. So, if you are a pasta lover make sure to have only leftover dish.