[ozziesgirl]

I was reading in the Orange Cookbook and Dr. Agatston said that basmati rice is allowed. Now, I love basmati rice, but I am thinking he means brown basmati, am I correct?

It just seems like white basmati is more refined so not allowable. But he never specified.

Do you think normal white basmati is allowed? It is easier to find and until the other day I never knew of brown. Thanks in advance.

[Ruthxxx]

I'm sure he means brown. Maybe someone who subscribes to his site could find out for sure.

[Barb0522]

I found this list:
GI of Grains
Buckwheat 54
Bulgur 48
Basmati Rice 58
Brown Rice 55
Long grain White Rice 56
Short grain White Rice 72
Uncle Ben's Converted 44
Noodles (instant) 46
Taco Shells 68

I had been using Uncle Ben's Converted Rice. Everyone in our family loves it. Do you think it is okay since the glycemic index is less than brown rice?

[USLadyInWales]

Since it doesn't specify brown, I think that he means white, the standard basmati rice. It has a different texture than normal white rice. Uncle Ben's converted white rice also has a lower glycemic index than brown rice so it isn't always the color of the rice that is most important.

[ozziesgirl]

Ok USLadyinWales, if that is true (which I thought it would be too since brown is more rare) you have made me the happiest person on the planet!! That is my all time favorite rice.

[beachgal]

A while ago I posted about the importance of Glycemic load as well as Glycemic Index.

Check it out in the last post here: http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/show...highlight=load

This might shed some light on the Uncle Ben's Coverted and why though it has a low GI, it might still be a poor choice. Also, the Basmati is listed as "Limited" in the GFGCG. As far as I understand this, it means you can have it sometimes, but should not be having it every day.

[USLadyInWales]

I agree that brown rice is always the overall healthier choice for many reasons (nutritional value, fiber, etc), but I think certain white rice varieties are acceptable in limited amounts (Uncle Ben's converted or Basmati), especially if combined with other low GI foods. I found the GI and Glycemic Load value for a few types of rice on the REVISED INTERNATIONAL TABLE OF GLYCEMIC INDEX (GI) AND GLYCEMIC LOAD (GL)—2002:

Converted, white, boiled 20-30 min, Uncle Ben's: GI: 38 GL: 14
Converted, white, long grain, boiled 20-30 min, Uncle Ben's: GI: 50 GL: 18
Basmati, white, boiled: GI: 58±8 GL: 22
Brown, steamed (USA): GI: 50 GL: 16

Hope this helps a bit also.