In a bid to lead healthier lifestyles, most of us are now substituting white rice for brown. White rice has the germ and bran (rich in fibre) parts removed.
While brown rice is considered more nutritious than the white rice, it is also more antinutrient. That means it contains components like the phytic acid that prevents absorption of other nutrients like iron and zinc.
Phytic acid is what gives brown rice its colour. This compound grabs on to minerals and inhibits the enzymes we need to digest food. This results in making many of the coveted nutrients largely unavailable for digestion.
Brown rice is also said to contain more arsenic than white rice. Arsenic is a toxic compound that can contribute to chronic illnesses if consumed over a long time.
So which is better? You decide.
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