Although many people prefer brown rice over white rice and vs. versa, many people are unfamiliar with health related differences between brown and white rice. Today you will learn about rice calories and the factors that separate these two types of health and nutrition values.
When it comes to matters to do with health, there is zero debate about the fact that brown rice offers more benefits to consumers than white rice. The brown rice carries higher vitamins and rice calories and minerals on each serving over that of white rice.
Brown rice calories and other nutrients are high in this type of rice simply because the process for production of white rice leads to the loss of important nutrients in the rice. Some of the notable nutrients found in this type of rice include;
Vitamin E
• Fibre
• Thiamine
• Vitamin B6
• Magnesium
There are additional vitamins and minerals that are profound in brown rice as well. Studies reveal that brown rice carries higher contents amounting to four times the amount of dietary fibre than its relative (white rice).
However when it comes to calories in rice, both brown and white rice carry similar calorie amounts. It should also be noted that rice calorie count for both brown and white rice can vary a little bit. The rice grain type size, shape and depth can impact the amount of calories.
A standard cup of cooked white rice contains an approximate 223 calories; on the other hand, a cup of brown rice contains about 232 calories. The rice calories difference is quite minimal.
Proteins
Just like calories in rice contents, both white and brown rice nutrition contains almost identical protein levels and carbohydrates per serving. The only difference among these two rice nutrition types is the levels of fibre, vitamins and minerals a little higher in brown rice when likened to white rice.
However individuals suffering from diabetes are cautioned to steer clear from white rice calories as they are known to spike up blood sugar levels.
Furthermore, individuals looking towards losing weight through a dietary program should op for brown rice calories due to its higher levels of fibre and a whole host of other nutrients.
White rice calories still has nutritional value in it, however, brown rice is an excellent choice for any individual who is mindful of their health.
Rice Nutrition
FAO figures suggest that rice supplies up to 698 calories daily. The report further indicates that the conditions under which rice is grown, the genetic factor of the rice and several more environmental factors including the location and cultivation season, levels of fertilizer treatment, milling levels and storage conditions heavily influence the nutritional status of the rice as well as its yields.
Generally, rice grains carry the following levels:
• 12% water
• 80% Starch
• 0.5% Ash
• 7.5% Protein
The starch contents in the rice are made of a mixture of amylase and amylopectin. The quantities in these two key ingredients determine both the cooking and consumption qualities of the rice. It should be noted that the status of the carbohydrates of the food doesn’t in anyway affect the rice nutrition quality.
However much rice takes up the role of primary source of carbohydrates, rice is also a major source of protein. Sadly though, for children who require higher levels of protein and their bellies are too small to contain large amounts of rice, the children will require yet another source of protein that is high and can suffice their calorie requirements.
Rice calories when consumed in the right proportions can help users lose weight and remain in good health.
