Brown Rice Nutrition

By: Sydney Van Damme

Break Studios Contributing Writer

If you are trying to eat less white rice, learn about brown rice nutrition to convince yourself that it's a better choice. In general, any food in the brown or whole-wheat form is better for you. The difference between brown and white rice is that white rice has the bran, husk and germ removed. Thus, brown rice is a healthier food and still contains copious amounts of dietary fiber. Because of that, brown rice tends to be more filling than white rice.

Calcium A necessary nutrient for everyone is calcium. Brown rice nutritional benefits include the fact that brown rice contains more than three times the amount of calcium than white rice. Calcium is important for heart and bone health.

B Vitamins These are essential for energy production. Brown rice contains B vitamins, such as thiamine, vitamin B6, folic acid and niacin. In addition to giving you energy, B vitamins are essential for mental health and cell growth.

Fiber Another important part of brown rice nutrition is the insoluable fibe it contains. It can be hard to get insoluable fiber in your diet. White rice is not a good source of fiber. Fiber is beneficial because it prevents constipation and keeps you regular. Foods with fiber tend to be filling, which means you eat less of them.

Magnesium In order for the body to get the full benefits of calcium, getting magnesium in your diet is essential. Brown rice is a source of magnesium. Magnesium promotes bone and hormonal development. 

Posted on: May. 23, 2011