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Which Rice is Healthiest - White, Red, Brown or Black?

Do you know, there are different varieties of rice such as white, red, brown & black rice and each variety has different health benefits.

Updated on: 17 January, 2022 3:27 PM IST By: M Kanika
Different Varieties of Rice

Rice is an essential part of Indian kitchen, and our meals would be incomplete without it. Do you know that there are different types of rice, such as white rice, red rice, brown rice, and black rice, each with its own set of health benefits? To learn more about rice varietals and nutritional values, read the entire article.

Many of us mistakenly believe that white rice causes weight gain and hence avoid eating it on a regular basis. White rice, which is the most popular kind in India, is also a highly refined variety. The white rice we see has a shiny white appearance due to the extensive processing and polishing that it undergoes. As a result, it does not add much to the nutritional value.

Red rice, brown rice, and black rice, on the other hand, are not only healthier than white rice but also have a variety of health benefits. Carbohydrate is the most important nutrient in all forms of rice. Let's take a look at each one individually.

White Rice

White rice is widely consumed in India. It loses several important minerals like thiamine and other B vitamins when it goes through a high amount of refining and processing to acquire that dazzling white appearance. Despite the fact that it has no nutritional value, it is a powerhouse of energy. Because of its high starch content, white rice provides more energy to your body than any other rice variety. It is filled with carbohydrates.

Red Rice

Have you heard of red rice before? Do you have any idea where red rice gets its color? An antioxidant called anthocyanin gives red rice its color. Red rice is high in iron and fiber, and it is thought to reduce inflammation in the body, manage cholesterol, and lower blood pressure.

In fact, red rice can be consumed even if you are trying to lose weight because it takes longer to digest and thus keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Red rice has been increasingly popular in recent years.

Brown Rice

Many of you may not know that Brown rice is generally suggested when one is on diet. It's just plain white rice that hasn't gone through the refinement process. That is why it is far more nutritious than white rice, as it has not undergone extensive refining and processing, which removes all of the vital elements.

Brown rice, on the other hand, must be cooked with caution because it can quickly become mushy. According to a number of studies, eating one cup of brown rice each day can reduce the chance of developing diabetes by up to 60%. Brown rice is high in iron, magnesium, and zinc, and it can also be a useful source of these nutrients.

Black Rice

Black rice, also known as "forbidden rice," has been a staple of Chinese cuisine for centuries. In actuality, it was solely available to the royals. Antioxidants, fiber, phytochemicals, phytonutrients, Vitamin E, protein, and iron are all abundant in it. Black rice offers its own set of health advantages.

Black rice is also claimed to lower the risk of acquiring cancer. In general, one serving of black rice comprises roughly 160 calories, making it a far better option to eat on a regular basis than regular white rice.

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