White rice is a staple ingredient in many meals. It combines well in a variety of dishes, is filling, and inexpensive. But is it really good for you?
Keep on reading to find out.
The Pros of White Rice
As mentioned, white rice goes well with almost any dish. Neutral in flavor, it can be part of a main dish or served as a side dish.
Relatively inexpensive, it won’t break the bank. Another plus side is that it’s also gluten-free and enriched with vitamin B.
The Cons of White Rice
Unfortunately, white rice is low in nutrients. It’s rich in carbohydrates and low in antioxidants. An excess of carbohydrates can lead to weight gain. Antioxidants are an essential part of your diet and need to be absorbed in a sufficient amount. This means that relying solely on it won’t give you all you need. You’d need to combine it with fruits and vegetables to get a balanced diet.
An Alternative to White Rice
Many people eat brown rice instead nowadays. As a full grain, it hasn’t been milled and polished. It has three times more grams of fiber compared to its white counterpart. Plus, it’s richer in protein as well. However, it has a much higher price tag
Should You Abandon White Rice Altogether?
At the end of the day, it all comes down to your personal preference and tastes. White Rice isn’t the perfect food, but it doesn’t mean you should never have it. Just try to keep your diet versatile and rich in all necessary nutrients.