White rice is milled rice that has had its husk, bran, and germ removed. This alters the flavor, texture and appearance of the rice and helps prevent spoilage, extend its storage life, white basmati rice makes it easier to digest. The milling and polishing processes both remove nutrients. Adopted over brown rice in the second half of the 19th century because it was favored by traders, white rice has led to a beriberi epidemic in Asia.

At various times, starting in the 19th century, brown rice and other grains such as wild rice have been advocated as healthier alternatives. The bran in brown rice contains significant dietary fiber and the germ contains many vitamins and minerals. Typically, 100 grams of uncooked rice produces around 240 to 260 grams of cooked grains, the difference in weight being due to absorbed cooking water. Before mechanical milling, rice was milled by a hand pounding technique with large mortar and pestle type devices. Some versions of this improved uniformity of the product, but with mechanical milling much larger quantities were able to be produced. Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults.

While brown rice and white rice have similar amounts of calories and carbohydrates, brown rice is a far richer source of all nutrients when compared to unenriched white rice. To produce white rice, the bran layer and the germ are removed, leaving mostly the starchy endosperm. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. Christiaan Eijkman, Beriberi and Vitamin B1″.

How Is White Rice Healthy for Our Body? Enrichment and packaging of cornmeal, grits, rice, and white flour available for distribution”. Why Billions Eat Unhealthy Rice and Shouldn’t”. Take our food quiz and digest the facts about glycaemic index”. Difference between white and brown rice”. Explorations in the History and Heritage of Machines and Mechanisms. Rice, white, long-grain, regular, raw, unenriched”.

Jasmine and Basmati Rice: What’s the Difference? With approximately 50,000 varieties to choose from, rice is a hugely versatile carbohydrate that makes a great base for a number of dishes. Which is better, basmati or jasmine rice? Is Basmati rice healthier than jasmine rice? Can I substitute jasmine rice for basmati? Does basmati rice taste like jasmine rice? From white to brown, short or long-grain, there’s a type of rice to suit every meal.