Brown rice - benefit or harm to the body: differences from white

How does brown rice differ from white rice? Which one is healthier?

Let’s find out together with a nutritionist.

The taste of brown rice is very difficult to confuse with white rice. It is many times denser, more fresh and worse absorbs salt. But these are all differences in flavor. And how does the body perceive brown rice? Does it make sense to give preference to it?

nutrition expert, founder of the GetVegetable nutrition delivery service.

Which rice to choose – brown or white, depends on the peculiarities of your body.

Inhaltsübersicht

How does brown rice turn into white rice?

White rice is rice that has been processed, which means that it is devoid of valuable substances and vitamins. After processing – steaming – minerals, fats, fiber and valuable antioxidants are removed from white rice. However, thanks to modern technology, folic acid, iron, vitamins and other useful substances are added to it. Both white and brown rice are considered dietary products and are gluten-free.

Wild rice is different. Do not confuse brown rice with wild rice. The latter is grown from a completely different plant. It is produced in small quantities, which affects its cost.

What are the benefits of brown rice?

Among the useful qualities of brown rice can be distinguished:

improvement of metabolism;
removal of excess water from the body;
prevention of ulcers and gastritis;
regulation of blood glucose levels;
purification of blood vessels.

If your doctor recommends including more fiber, you should also give preference to brown rice. Opt for this option if you have elevated blood cholesterol.

When should white rice be favored?

With kidney problems, it is desirable to include white rice in the diet, not brown, because the latter contains a large amount of potassium and phosphorus. Overabundance of these substances in the body can adversely affect the kidneys. Also excessive accumulation of potassium in the body can lead to heart problems, so if you suffer from cardiovascular disease, it is better to reduce the consumption of brown rice.

It’s not as straightforward as it may sometimes seem. Much depends on the individual characteristics of your body. Do not rush to chase fashion and trends in nutrition, listen to yourself and your needs.