Basmati Rice vs Jasmine Rice: Which Is Healthier? Basmati rice is a healthier option than jasmine rice for three reasons — more nutrients, less arsenic, and lower glycemic index.
Basmati has a MUCH lower GI than Jasmine rice (58 compared to 109), meaning it digests slower and releases sugar into the bloodstream less rapidly. Focusing on foods with low GI is key to dropping unwanted pounds.
We love both of these fragrant rices. Here's how they are commonly used. Basmati is a go-to choice for pilaf, biryani, plov, the classic Persian dish called chelow and as a base for curry. Jasmine is a top pick for fried rice, com do (Vietnamese red rice) and hung kao mung gati (Thai coconut rice).
Most types of rice, particularly white rice, have a high glycemic index, basmati rice is much lower on the scale. With a glycemic index between 50 and 58, basmati rice is a low to medium glycemic index food. If you have diabetes, small portions of basmati rice can be a part of your healthy diet.
In addition to containing all eight essential amino acids and folic acid, it's very low in sodium and cholesterol-free. Basmati has a low to medium glycemic index, meaning that energy is released at a slower, steadier rate, which leads to more balanced energy levels.
Both basmati and jasmine rice are long-grain varieties of rice that require a rinse before being cooked. Their grains also remain distinct, although jasmine is a bit plumper and softer than basmati, which has a drier chew to the rice.
First, it's considered a whole grain food that provides a number of nutrients that are lacking in more refined varieties. It's rich in selenium and manganese, which help fight cancer cells and promote overall health. Jasmine rice also has naturally occurring oils, which help to lower cholesterol and diabetes.
Chinese restaurants mostly use American long grain rice. The best texture is actually mixing american long grain because it chewier with jasmine rice.
04/8White rice
This is the unhealthiest type of rice because most of the minerals and nutrients are stripped off during the industrial processing. 100-gram white rice has 150 calories. White rice has a high glycemic index and thus diabetics should avoid it.
Wild rice and black rice, also known as forbidden rice, are higher in antioxidants and lower in calories, with a lower glycemic index." For a mix of micronutrients and flavors, try to integrate more than one variety of rice into your diet on a regular basis.
White rice -- particularly basmati, jasmine and pre-cooked “instant” rice -- tends to have lower concentrations of arsenic than brown rice because arsenic accumulates in rice bran. Rice varieties grown in California or imported from Southeast Asia are often lower in arsenic than rice grown in other parts of the U.S.
Which rice is healthier? White jasmine rice and other types of white rice have an almost identical nutritional profile. Jasmine rice contains slightly more calories and fat than some other white rices, but not enough to significantly affect a person's nutritional goals, or how full they feel after eating.
Jasmine rice is not a significant source of vitamins or minerals. But it does contain small amounts of calcium, iron, and some B vitamins. White jasmine rice contains a small amount of fiber, which is an important nutrient for digestion. If you are looking for a healthier option, try brown jasmine rice.
Potential Risks of Jasmine Rice
Like all rices, jasmine rice is relatively high on the glycemic index. Even brown jasmine rice can cause your blood sugar levels to spike, which may cause complications for people with Type II diabetes. Arsenic is a toxic heavy metal found in soil, rock, and water.
Rice Typically Does Not Cause Bloating
Rice is one of the least likely foods to cause bloating, but it is frequently consumed alongside other foods and ingredients that are common causes of symptoms.
The most widely consumed rice in Japan is a cultivar of Japonica rice, a short-grain rice with a firm texture. Compared to its long-grain counterparts such as jasmine and basmati, Japonica rice is characterized by its plump shape and sticky texture that makes it easy to pick up with chopsticks.
Overall, jasmine rice is a relatively healthy, lower-calorie food that has more calcium and fiber than regular rice. However, it's best to consume this delicious grain in moderation to help prevent dangerous health conditions like obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
Choose brown rice or wild rice over white rice. Brown rice and wild rice are generally better for weight loss because they're whole grains and higher in fiber (but you can still have white rice sometimes, too, just mix it up!).
Jasmine rice is a type of white rice. Jasmine rice has been processed, and as a result, it has lost many of its nutrients. It also does not contain much fiber, which is also similar to white rice. As a result, jasmine rice isn't a good option for weight loss.
What is the difference in taste between basmati and jasmine rice? Basmati rice is nutty and floral, with a mild aroma. Jasmine rice is much more floral and aromatic, with notes of buttered popcorn.
Rinsing Jasmine rice is not necessary, it comes out great without the rinsing. If you do want to rinse it: add your rice to a medium bowl, add water and stir the rice until the water is cloudy. Strain the cloudy water on a sieve and repeat the process two more times.