Is White Rice Healthy? Here's What a Dietitian Has to Say

White rice may be at the top of the list for foods that have a bad reputation.

So, is white rice healthy?

Let’s set the record straightwhite doesn’t mean devoid of nutrients.

homemade cooking rice

Getty Images / harwan

White rice is still considered healthy and nutritious.

Here’s what this dietitian has to say about the benefits of white rice.

How Is White Rice Different from Brown Rice?

Here’s how brown rice and white rice stack up against each other.

A cup of cooked brown rice is slightly higher in calories, as well as protein, fat andfiber.

These slightly higher numbers can be attributed to brown rice’s bran and germ content.

The2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americansrecommend that half of the grains we consume come from whole grains.

This increases beneficial nutrients while reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

However, we do not have to exclude foods like white rice completely.

Plus, it’s not often that you’re just eating white rice on its own.

Who doesn’t love a bowl of steaming white rice?

So the next time you’re craving it, make it and enjoy it.

So, is white rice healthy?

And chances are, you’re not eating white rice on its own.