Is rice good for you? - Diet & Nutrition Message Board

Dark Stranger · 10-13-2008, 09:14 PM

I'm not on any kind of diet right now, but I have been eating basically nothing but rice (and some steamed veggies and the occasional frozen chicken pieces) for the last week. I really enjoy the taste, and I'm also trying to cut back on salty foods (due to elevated blood pressure). From what I know, rice has no fat, little sodium, and is full of carbs - sounds like a good diet food, but for the first time, I'm not trying to diet.

Are there any downsides to plain white rice?

leea1206 · 10-13-2008, 09:38 PM

Brown rice would provide more fiber and nutrients, but other than this, I would say there are no major drawbacks to white rice. You are correct that rice has virtually no fat or sodium. 1/2cup provides 15gms carb.

I can think of alot worse things to eat than rice, so enjoy!

JohnR41 · 10-14-2008, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark Stranger

I'm not on any kind of diet right now, but I have been eating basically nothing but rice (and some steamed veggies and the occasional frozen chicken pieces) for the last week. I really enjoy the taste, and I'm also trying to cut back on salty foods (due to elevated blood pressure). From what I know, rice has no fat, little sodium, and is full of carbs - sounds like a good diet food, but for the first time, I'm not trying to diet.

Are there any downsides to plain white rice?

The fact that you asked the question, "Is rice good for you?", indicates to me that you're interested in eating a healthful diet. Whole grain rice is healthful in limited amounts (measured as 1/4 cup before cooking). What you decide to put on it may be another story.

>>>Are there any downsides to plain white rice?<<<

Yes, white rice has been processed and thereby robbed of fiber and nutrients.

Dark Stranger · 10-14-2008, 02:53 PM

I usually put sweet and sour sauce on my rice (which, shockingly, is not all that high in sodium, calories, or fat). I typically buy white rice just because it's cheaper. And, like I said before, sometimes I use steamed vegetables and bits of chicken.

I am interested in eating healthier, but jut not in dieting because that ends with me going crazy as I crave everything I shouldn't have. I don't feel all that deprived with what I currently eat.

Thanks for the information, though.

littleshelly · 10-17-2008, 02:05 AM

Plain white rice is a simple card. Go for brown, complex carb, much better for you.