White Rice Vs Brown Rice: Is There A Nutritional Difference?

Whether you're eyeing down different bags of rice at the grocery store or the Chipotle crew-member is eyeing you down, the choice between white rice and brown rice can be a difficult one. But, aside from being different colors, can there really be that much of a difference?

Well, according to Healthline, all rice is made of primarily carbohydrates and has a small bit of protein. However, brown rice includes more parts of the rice grain than that of white rice. Brown rice is whole grain, which means that a grain of brown rice includes the fibrous bran and the germ while a grain of white rice does not. 

These extra parts are what make brown rice a bit bulkier and give it a bit of a chewier texture. They're also why it takes a bit longer to cook brown rice than it does white, and why brown rice has the nutritional edge.

The bran and the germ of brown rice provide a good amount of fiber and certain minerals and vitamins that are tasty to eat and are key components of a healthy diet, per the Cleveland Health Clinic. Vitamins B1 and B6 can be found in brown rice, as can essential minerals such as magnesium and manganese. Brown rice also has the added effect of making you feel fuller than white rice does, which can discourage overeating.

All these health benefits may not be present in white rice, but that is not to say that white rice is itself unhealthy when eaten in moderation. It is easier to digest than brown rice, which makes it better for people with digestive troubles, and can still provide some nutrition (via Healthline). White rice may seem a bit empty compared to the many benefits of brown rice, but all rice is a good source of carbs and both brown and white can be made as a part of a healthy diet.