The 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.