Rice Calories - How Many are in White and Brown Rice?
Are you wondering how many calories are in white and brown rice? You might be surprised to learn that there isn’t much of a difference between the two! In fact, one cup of cooked white rice has about 225 calories and one cup of cooked brown rice has 235 calories. With such similar calorie counts, are there any differences between white and brown rice that should change your decision to choose one over the other? Here’s what you need to know about calories in rice and whether or not you should make the switch from white to brown..
The difference between white and brown rice
White rice has been milled to remove the bran and germ, leaving only the endosperm. This process gives white rice a longer shelf life but also strips it of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Brown rice, on the other hand, is minimally processed with only the inedible hull removed. As a result, brown rice retains its nutrient-rich bran layer and is more nutritious than white rice. In general, brown rice calories are higher than white rice calories because it contains all three layers of the grain kernel: endosperm, outer layer (bran), and innermost layer (germ).
The Difference Between Long-Grain, Medium-Grain, Short-Grain
Long-grain rice has a lower calorie content than short-grain rice. Short-grain rice is higher in calories because it has a higher starch content. Medium-grain rice falls somewhere in between the two. When it comes to white rice vs brown rice, brown rice has more calories because of the extra bran layer. Brown rice nutrition is about 536 calories per cup (1/2 lb) while white rice nutrition is 372 calories per cup (1/2 lb).
Nutrition Facts on 100g of Rice
White rice has about 130 calories per 100 grams, while brown rice has about 110 calories. White rice is generally considered to be more processed than brown rice, and thus has more carbohydrates. Brown rice contains more fiber than white rice, and is a good source of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, thiamin, niacin, and vitamin B6.
Nutritional Comparison – White Vs. Brown Rice
When it comes to white rice vs brown rice, brown rice is the clear winner in terms of nutrition. It is lower in calories, has more fiber and protein, and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. Brown rice is also a whole grain, while white rice has been stripped of its bran and germ, making it less nutritious. When it comes to weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight, brown rice is the better choice.
