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| Brown Rice | 90% | 290 votes | Total: 321 votes | |
| White Rice | 10% | 31 votes |
Brown Rice
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Add to FavoritesThe American Journal of Clinical Nutrition completed a study which confirmed that brown rice was an all-around better choice for weight loss than white rice, hands down.
What is the difference between brown and white rice?
Brown rice is white rice before the outsiderice bran is removed and is considered to be a whole grain. When the bran is taken away, it becomes white rice which is lighter and cooks much faster.
Essentially, white rice is brown rice that has been stripped of bran and therefore, most of its fiber. And since fiber is an important part of our diet and aids in weight loss, brown rice is the better choice. White rice is typically fortified with iron and B vitamins, but most of its nutrients such as zinc and magnesium are lost.
Brown rice is an excellent addition to our daily diet because of its nutritional value. Just one cup of brown rice supplies 88 percent of our daily manganese requirements. Manganese aids in the synthesis of fatty acids associated with our nervous system, the production of cholesterol, and sex hormones.
Brown rice is not only high in fiber but is also high in selenium, a trace mineral proven to significantly reduce the risks associated with colon cancer. Selenium not only helps prevent cancer, it also aids in the prevention of heart disease, and reduces inflammation in medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The heart-healthy oil in brown rice lowers LDL (bad cholesterol levels). Consuming six servings of whole grains per week can significantly reduce the buildup of plaque, and slow the advancement of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
The importance of antioxidants in whole grains such as corn, whole wheat, oats, and brown rice have been underestimated. Studies have confirmed the fact that countries with diets high in whole grains have a much lower colon cancer risk.
Brown rice also helps to keep blood sugar levels under control, so it's a good choice for diabetics. Brown rice is rich in fiber and helps protect against colon cancer. Fiber adheres to cancer-causing agents, separating them from the cells of the colon. Furthermore, brown rice has the ability to stabilize bowel function and prevent constipation.
Therefore, brown rice is better for losing weight than white rice. Besides, your stomach is not a garbage disposal so why not choose wisely when it comes to what goes into it. You'll feel much better for it.
Learn more about this author, Pat Lunsford.
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White Rice
Ok, well we all know that nutritionally, brown rice is far more superior to white. I can't argue with that.
I also know that during the milling process brown rice merely has its outer husk removed, which means that most of the beneficial properties such as fiber, protein, B vitamins, thiamine, potassium, calcium and magnesium are held intact.
White rice is the product of the milling process that goes on to remove the germ and bran of the rice, which goes on to give us the fluffy white rice we love so much (albeit sorely lacking in the "good stuff")
The FDA has added brown rice to its approved list of whole grains that may make health claims, telling us that brown rice used as part of a proper weight loss program will do wonders for your figure and will help cut down on other nasties such as heart disease, certain cancers, and type II diabetes.
So what are you sacrificing for taste?
What do you really gain?
In real terms, from a personal point of view, you can feed me white rice till the cows come home and I will eat it. I will lose weight on it because I can actually eat it on its own with perhaps a low calorie accompaniment such as a three bean salad or seasoned mushrooms, and feel satisfied that I have eaten something that is enjoyable, fairly good for my health, and helping me stay on my hated diet. Have you forgotten that the nice people in the production industry will put back as much of the stripped food additives as they can?
Give me brown rice (and yes I have tried it) and even though I know it is doing me a power of good, that my bowels will ever thank me for such a sensible choice, and that my blood sugar levels will be kept at a great level and that I am offering my body one of the most healthiest choices that I can, nothing will make me reach quicker for that microwave ready in one minute pizza.
Eating brown rice is extremely good for you if you wish to stick to a healthy diet - with the added benefit that in the long run it will help you maintain your weight at a sensible level, but hang on people, give me a chance, I have to get there first...
Brown rice takes AGES to cook, which is a bit annoying if you were just looking forward to a quick snack and I do actually know a couple of people who will be patient enough enjoy its nutty taste and rough, chewy texture, however, I find it extremely unappetizing on a personal level. This is not the kind of food that will help me stick to my diet. And that is what it is all about at the end of the day.
Sticking to your diet. Which in the long run, will bring the desired results.
Learn more about this author, Jane Allyson.
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