Rice - Brown vs. White

  •   #1  
    Elspeth73's AvatarElspeth73 , 03-05-2007 02:48 PM
    Afternoon all! I tried searching this forum for my answer... but didn't see anything specific in the subjects in the first 2 pages, so sorry if this has already been answered!

    I see on the points tracker (I'm doing WW Online) that 1 cup of cooked rice is 4 points - there is no difference if it is white or brown rice. Is that correct?

    Having always been told that brown rice is SO much better for you than white, why does WW not show that in the points?

    THANKS!
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  •   #2  
    jillybean720's Avatarjillybean720 , 03-05-2007 03:03 PM
    I do not practice WW Points, but I understand the math behind it. The math for Points is based on 50 calories per point (with higher points for foods high in fat and lower points for food high in fiber). When it comes to rice, assuming they're being cooked in the same manner (i.e., both using oil or butter or whatever), white and brown rice are about equal when it comes to fat and calorie content. The reason brown rice is better for you is that it is a WHOLE grain, whereas the reason white rice is white is that the outer layer of the grain has been stripped off. Therefore, while the same amount of Points (since they don't take nutrients or processing into account when determining Points), brown rice is less processed and typically more nutritious than white.
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  •   #3  
    Suzanne 3FC's AvatarSuzanne 3FC , 03-05-2007 04:15 PM
    You'd think brown would contain less points because of the fiber content, since fiber is used in the points calculation. It does have less, but it's a pretty small amount.

    Cooked brown rice (link contains point values) has 3.8 points which rounds up to 4, while white has an even 4 points. I agree that it's odd the 3 grams of fiber didn't make a difference in the points. I guess it's because the brown rice contains a few more calories.
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  •   #4  
    Kelly_S's AvatarKelly_S , 03-06-2007 10:52 AM
    Fiber only reduces points by less than a total point for the max fiber (1 gm = -.2 points; 2 gms = -.4 points; 3 gms = -.6 points and 4 or more grams = -.8 points).

    Brown rice is HEALTHIER for you than white rice because of the fiber.

    I actually use Uncle Ben's Converted (just don't like brown) and when made with just water (no butter or oil) or broth it is 3 points per cup. A bit more healthy than white but less so than the brown.
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  •   #5  
    Elspeth73's AvatarElspeth73 , 03-06-2007 12:20 PM
    Thanks ladies for the answers!! I guess it's just one of those mental things - my brain says that if it's "whole grain" or higher in fiber then it should be better for me... and therefore less fat/calories/points/etc. etc. I know it IS better for me, but I just can't eat as much of it as I want.

    I've never done WW before, so this is all a huge learning curve for me. =)

    Cheers!
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  •   #6  
    Tristesse's AvatarTristesse , 03-09-2007 04:42 AM
    Eh just take it slow

    On a side note (since we're talking about whole grains), I highly recommend Sarah Lee Whole Wheat Bread (soft and smooth) - I was one of those "ewwwww wheat bread" people for so long and I'm in love with this stuff.

    And as for brown rice that is as good as white - try River rice or Carolina rice.
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