Is couscous better than rice for weight loss? While couscous and white rice have almost the same amount of calories per 100 grams, couscous contains more protein and higher amounts of vitamins and minerals so can be considered a healthier option in those departments.
While neither ingredient is considered low-carb, they do share their differences. Compared to brown and white rice, couscous usually contains slightly lower carbs per serving. However, when comparing our Traditional Pearl Couscous with our Wild and Brown Rice Mix, the number of carbohydrates is the same.
If you think rice is just rice, think again! Here are just a few of the reasons why Basmati is best and why it's worth choosing Basmati over ordinary rice. Basmati is gluten-free and low in fat. In addition to containing all eight essential amino acids and folic acid, it's very low in sodium and cholesterol-free.
Couscous provides more protein and a greater contribution of vitamins and minerals than the equivalent portion of white rice.
Nutrition Comparison
Calorie-wise, couscous comes out on top. One cup of prepared couscous has 176 calories, compared to 216 calories in brown rice. Couscous also contains 2 grams of fiber per cup and 6 grams of protein. Brown rice, on the other hand, contains 3.5 and 5 grams, respectively.
Couscous is actually superior to rice and quinoa when it comes to grains as it has less than 200 calories in each cup. Which is less than 10% of the daily calorie intake suggested for adults. This makes it the perfect alternative for people trying to lose weight mainly through dieting.
In terms of overall health, quinoa wins! With complete proteins, fiber, and loads of micronutrients, quinoa is the healthier choice. For those counting calories or low on time, couscous is a great option.
Couscous Calories
Of those calories, 85% come from carbs, 14% from protein, and 1% from fat. Here are some calorie counts of comparable grains and grain-based foods per one cup serving: White rice: 242 calories. Brown rice: 218 calories.
Although sometimes harder to find, black rice is the number one nutritional rock star among rice varieties. 1 It's high in fiber and nutrients that lower cholesterol, promote healthy digestion, and stave off chronic disease.
Nutrition-wise, both jasmine and basmati contain just trace amounts of fat and will give you a little protein boost, but basmati has a lower glycemic index (around 57-67 to jasmine's 68-80 range), meaning it raises blood sugar more slowly and creates a better effect of fullness.
The verdict. Quinoa, hands down. The similarities are deceptive… Quinoa is a complete protein, can be part of a gluten-free diet, has more nutrients and double the fibre of couscous. And, when cooked, it has a lower GI, so it should help to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Couscous is a dried and cracked pasta made from semolina, like tiny pasta, meaning it cooks at lightning speed. It has a nutty, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with stews, braises, and grilled or roasted veggies.
Want a flatter, leaner tummy? Ditch refined grains like white bread and white rice, and eat more whole grains such as oatmeal, barley, bulgar, 100% whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, and brown rice, research has found.
Grains to avoid are wheat (such as wheat berries, spelt, kamut, farro and bulgur), rye, barley and triticale.
With a high glycemic index (GI) of 65 and a 28% RDA of carb in just one cup, couscous is very likely to cause harmful surges in your blood glucose levels following consumption.
Whole-grain couscous is a good source of fiber. Fiber is good for you in a lot of ways. It can stop your blood sugar from spiking and can keep you fuller longer. It also can help lower cholesterol, which can reduce your chances of heart disease.
It is commonly agreed that foods containing simple carbohydrates with no fiber or those that are rich in protein with no carbohydrates are absorbed rapidly and are considered easy to digest foods. This is where couscous comes in.
Is couscous a superfood? Couscous falls into the category of super grains, which are all those foods that among grains and cereals, stand out for their nutritious qualities. Rich in fibre, and protein and low in fat, couscous also contains excellent amounts of minerals such as magnesium, iron and zinc.
For people with even a mild gluten intolerance, glutinous foods can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including bloating, diarrhea, and fatigue. Avoiding gluten-based foods at all costs is the best way to keep these symptoms at bay if you're allergic or intolerant.
Couscous portion size
Allow around 60g of dried couscous per person, which is combined with 90ml of boiled water (using the ratio of 1:1 1/2). Simply pour the hot water onto the couscous, cover and leave for 10 minutes while the couscous absorbs the water.