Arsenic tends to accumulate more in rice than in other grains, which can be particularly concerning for those who eat rice on a regular basis ( 4). Additionally, a study in 26,006 people associated white rice intake with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, which is a group of conditions that can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes ( 13). Another review associated regular intake of whole grains, including brown rice, with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes ( 8). What’s more, an 8-week study in 80 people found that replacing refined grains with whole grains lowered levels of inflammatory markers ( 9). summary However, some studies have found that basmati rice from California, India, or Pakistan contains some of the lowest levels of arsenic, compared with other rice varieties ( 5).

Unlike brown basmati, white basmati is a refined grain, meaning that it has been stripped of many valuable nutrients during processing.Brown basmati rice is considered a whole grain, meaning that it contains all three parts of the kernel — the germ, bran, and endosperm. Therefore, while white basmati rice can be enjoyed in moderation, brown basmati may be a better overall option for your health. summary

These effects may be due to white rice’s high number of carbs and low amount of fiber compared with brown rice. Whole grains are associated with multiple health benefits. For instance, an analysis of 45 studies tied whole grain intake to a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and premature death ( 7). Compared with other types of rice, basmati is generally lower in arsenic, a heavy metal that can harm your health and potentially increase your risk of diabetes, heart problems, and certain cancers ( 3). What’s more, a study in over 10,000 people linked dietary patterns that included white rice to a higher risk of obesity ( 12).CookieYes sets this cookie to record the default button state of the corresponding category and the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie.