So many people are convinced that brown rice is a more healthy option than white rice. This is not true. This idea came about because of the belief that brown rice has "more nutrients per calorie". This is true.
The germ (which gives the color) is what is on the brown and missing in the white. This is high in fiber and nutrients which makes people THINK that there is a higher nutrient to calorie profile for the brown rice. This germ actually DEPLETES the body's ability to absorb nutrients and has even been suggested to be stripping other nutrients from intestinal absorption. In the end, there are actually fewer absorbable nutrients in brown rice than in white. The phytic acids in the germ of the brown rice are considered "anti-nutrients" inhibiting the enzymes needed for adequate absorption of foods. So, while the nutrient profile of the brown rice may be better, your ability to gain these nutrients is much lower and therefore there is a greater number of empty calories eaten with brown rice than white.
The high fiber in the brown rice is not actually great for you either since it makes the food sit in your intestines longer and too much fiber can shred your intestines. Yes, fiber is good for you, but should be consumed in vegetable fibers rather than grain fibers in order to have the most digestive benefit.
Brown rice being pushed as a healthier option is actually a common misconception. Go figure! So the good news is that you can make your choice based on research and not hype.
Do your research before you blindly believe "health facts" here is one pubmed article (and there are a ton more). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/9302338/
The germ (which gives the color) is what is on the brown and missing in the white. This is high in fiber and nutrients which makes people THINK that there is a higher nutrient to calorie profile for the brown rice. This germ actually DEPLETES the body's ability to absorb nutrients and has even been suggested to be stripping other nutrients from intestinal absorption. In the end, there are actually fewer absorbable nutrients in brown rice than in white. The phytic acids in the germ of the brown rice are considered "anti-nutrients" inhibiting the enzymes needed for adequate absorption of foods. So, while the nutrient profile of the brown rice may be better, your ability to gain these nutrients is much lower and therefore there is a greater number of empty calories eaten with brown rice than white.
The high fiber in the brown rice is not actually great for you either since it makes the food sit in your intestines longer and too much fiber can shred your intestines. Yes, fiber is good for you, but should be consumed in vegetable fibers rather than grain fibers in order to have the most digestive benefit.
Brown rice being pushed as a healthier option is actually a common misconception. Go figure! So the good news is that you can make your choice based on research and not hype.
Do your research before you blindly believe "health facts" here is one pubmed article (and there are a ton more). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/9302338/
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