Dr. Sunil - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Sunil

Is White Rice Bad For You?

Also Known As: polished rice


Grade

C


Short answer

White rice is a primarily neutral food and is fine to eat in moderation.

Grade

C

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

White rice is an extremely popular food that is eaten throughout many regions of the world, especially in Asian countries. It serves as an indispensable daily food staple that provides energy for people of many cultures and is commonly consumed as a side dish to larger entrées such as various types of meat.

White rice is a fairly neutral food. Before it is packaged and sold in stores, it undergoes a refining process which eliminates most of the nutrients that once existed in the grain. By the time the white rice you eat in restaurants or cook at home is ready to be sold, it has been processed to contain almost thirty grams of carbohydrates per serving. The most concerning thing about white rice is its tendency to break down as excess sugar in your body, which can cause negative side effects such as diabetes and weight gain. Most of its grain-based fiber has also been removed, making large amounts harmful to the gut. Therefore, it is important to eat white rice sparingly and ensure that you depend on other foods with more nutrients and less sugar and carbohydrates to fill you up throughout the day.

White rice is not going to kill you and is fine to eat as a side dish along with the rest of your meal. However, brown rice is a healthier alternative, as it is not put through the extensive refining process that white rice is and therefore retains much of its natural nutrients.


Possible short-term side effects

  • bloating

Possible long-term side effects

  • diabetes
  • weight gain

Ingredients to be aware of

  • arsenic (very low levels)
  • excess carbs


Healthier alternatives

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

Lundberg Basmati Rice

  • USDA Certified Organic
  • Non-GMO
  • Gluten-Free & Vegan
  • Fluffy, Clump-free Texture
  • Pleasant Aroma
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023




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