Amitabh Bachchan reveals he has given up rice and kheer at 83

Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan has revealed that he has stopped eating two of his favourite foods, rice and kheer, at the age of 83. The actor recently opened up about his dietary choices during a programme, explaining that he has decided to avoid rice and traditional desserts as part of his current food habits.

Recalling an incident involving his wife Jaya Bachchan, Amitabh said that she once prepared mango kheer especially for him. However, despite being tempted by the dessert, he chose not to eat it because of his decision to stay away from rice and kheer.

The actor’s comments have sparked discussion about whether older adults should also consider giving up rice as they age. Health experts, however, have stressed that avoiding rice is not an essential rule for everyone. They described Amitabh’s decision as a personal dietary choice rather than a recommendation that should be followed by all elderly people.

According to nutrition experts, white rice is a refined carbohydrate that is digested relatively quickly. Eating large quantities of white rice, particularly without enough protein, fibre or vegetables, can cause blood sugar levels to rise rapidly. Research has also found an association between high consumption of white rice and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

However, experts point out that this does not mean rice directly causes diabetes. The overall quality of a person’s diet, portion sizes, physical activity and individual health condition all play important roles in determining how a particular food affects the body.

As people grow older, the body can undergo several changes, including reduced insulin sensitivity, changes in appetite and a gradual loss of muscle mass and strength. For this reason, experts say older adults should focus less on completely eliminating individual foods and more on ensuring that their replacement foods provide adequate nutrition.

Simply removing rice without replacing the energy and nutrients it provides could potentially contribute to inadequate food intake. In older adults, insufficient nutrition can increase the risk of weight loss, weakness and loss of muscle mass.

People living with diabetes, excess abdominal fat or frequent increases in blood sugar after meals may benefit from reducing their intake of white rice. However, health professionals say there is generally no need to completely eliminate carbohydrates from the diet.

Instead, alternatives such as brown rice, barley, millet, porridge, lentils and other whole grains can be included. These foods can provide carbohydrates along with varying amounts of fibre and other nutrients, making them useful components of a balanced diet.

Experts also emphasise that how rice is eaten can be just as important as the food itself. Rather than consuming a large portion of white rice on its own, people can combine a moderate serving with lentils, vegetables, yoghurt and a source of protein. Such combinations can make a meal more balanced and may help support better blood sugar control.

For older adults, maintaining adequate protein intake is particularly important because muscle loss becomes more common with advancing age. A balanced diet should therefore include sufficient protein, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and fibre alongside appropriate portions of carbohydrates.

Nutrition specialists also caution against treating individual foods as either completely healthy or completely unhealthy. The effect of rice depends on the type of rice, portion size, cooking method and the rest of the diet.

A person in their 70s or 80s does not necessarily need to eat as little as possible. Instead, the goal should be to consume a varied and nutritious diet that supports stable blood sugar and healthy weight while helping preserve muscle strength, energy and independence.

Amitabh Bachchan’s decision to give up rice and kheer may therefore reflect his own dietary preferences and health goals. For other older adults, experts recommend making food choices according to individual nutritional needs rather than following blanket restrictions.