In this brief guide, we will answer the question “Does rice have fat?” and tell you whether rice is fattening or not. We will also tell you which type of rice is better for weight loss.
Does rice have fat?
Rice has little to no fat. There is 0.3 grams of fat in 100 grams of long grain white rice. Rice is made up of carbohydrates such as starch. There is protein in rice as well. Rice also contains vitamins such as Vitamin B6 and minerals such as magnesium, zinc and phosphorus.
Does rice contain sugar?
Rice contains 0.1 g sugar per 100 g. There is very little sugar in rice but it contains a lot of starch. Starch is made up of many glucose molecules and is broken down inside the body to glucose which can raise blood sugar levels.
When eating rice, you should pair it with protein and vegetables that are low in starch so that you get all the healthy nutrients that your body needs.
According to research, consuming a lot of white rice or consuming white rice everyday can increase an individual’s risk of getting type-2 diabetes so rice should be eaten in moderation or people should switch to healthier alternatives such as brown rice or quinoa.
Is rice fattening?
The answer to this depends on the type of rice you are having. White rice is packed with starch and has its germ and bran removed. Germ and bran are very nutritious but they are removed so what white rice is serving you with is basically only carbohydrates.
Eating a lot of white rice will lead to weight gain. It leads to obesity and an increased risk of developing type-2 diabetes.
Which type of rice is good for weight loss?
Brown rice is known to aid in weight loss. Brown rice has its bran and germ intact which means that you get a lot of fiber and antioxidants along with other nutrients. Fiber keeps the digestive tract healthy.
Brown rice also has a low glycemic index which means it gets absorbed in your gut very slowly making you feel fuller for longer periods of time hence cutting down on the need to eat more often.
So, if you are trying to shed some extra weight, then opt for brown rice instead of white rice.
What are some different types of rice?
Rice can be differentiated based on its texture, aroma, length and shape, and color. We will list down some common types of rice with details about their texture and flavor profile here so that it gets easier for you to pick which type of rice suits your cooking needs the best.
Arborio rice
Arborio rice is a medium grain rice with high starch content. The rice grain is a bit wide and has a white dot in the center which will help you distinguish it from other types of rice. The texture is chewy and it becomes creamy once cooked. It is ideal for making risotto and rice pudding. It can also be used to make soup.
Brown rice
Brown is 100% whole grain which makes it an ideal substitute for white rice for people who are trying to cut down on processed carbohydrates. The flavor profile is nutty and becomes fluffy once cooked. It is very nutritious as it is abundant in vitamins.
It is also ideal for making stir fry dishes and casseroles.
White rice
White rice is the most common type of rice used in a variety of cuisines. It contains a lot of starch hence it appears white and becomes slightly sticky once cooked.
It can be eaten with curries, with stir fry dishes, and to stuff peppers etc.
Jasmine rice
Jasmine rice, as the name suggests, gives off a sweet jasmine scent when it is being cooked. It is soft and very velvety in texture. It is ideal for making curry and Thai dishes as it is known to soak up all the juices and spices making the dish even more flavorful.
Basmati rice
Basmati rice has a nutty flavor profile and consists of long grain rice. It is widely used in the Indian cuisine
Learn more about the nutritional value of different types of rice here.
Other FAQs about Rice that you may be interested in.
Does rice expand in your stomach?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “Does rice have fat?” and told you whether rice is fattening or not. We also told you which type of rice is better for weight loss.
Citations
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/rice-and-weight#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318699#benefits-of-brown-rice
