Brown rice has been consumed in many parts of the world for many years now. But in recent times, more and more people are becoming aware of its health benefits, as compared to its white cousin. The scientific name for brown rice is Oryza Sativa. White rice has a hull that is absent in brown rice.
Brown rice is prone to contamination faster than the white variant. This is because of the absence of the hull. Hence, you would need to consume brown rice faster than you would the white one.
There are numerous types of brown rice available in the market. Some of them are – flavored, plain, long-grain, medium-grain, short-grain, etc. The short-grained one is stickier compared to the other types and can be used to make food items like risotto, pudding, etc. But for consumption in the form of plain rice, the medium and long-grain ones are more popular in households.
Health Benefits of Brown Rice
Globally, more and more people are making a shift towards brown rice as a staple part of their diet. And it’s not without reason. Brown rice is rich in nutrients and has a far higher-good calorie content than the white variant. The bran is the brown rice is filled with fiber and endosperm that supply the body with carbohydrates and much-needed nutrition. The carbohydrate in brown rice (1.8%) is several times more than in white rice (0.4%).
Brown rice also contains high proportions of manganese and magnesium that are rich sources of nutrients. The magnesium, along with the dietary fiber present in brown rice, can bring down the risk of heart disease by more than 20%. The Glycemic Index (GI) is low in brown rice; hence it reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by almost 30%.
The antioxidants phenol and flavonoid, are present in large quantities in brown rice. These prevent cell damage and combat premature aging. Apart from manganese and magnesium, other vitamins and minerals present in brown rice are – calcium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, vitamin B1, and vitamin B6.
Nutrients in Every Serving
Every half-cup of long-grain brown rice has the following nutrients:
- Calories – 108
- Carbohydrates – 22 grams
- Proteins – 3 grams
- Sugar – 0 grams
- Fat – 1 gram
- Fiber – 2 grams
Brown Rice in India
India is the largest producers of brown rice. It is grown in many parts of India, especially in the saline regions. In keeping with the growing demand for the product, more and more farmers are shifting towards cultivating brown rice.
There are many companies that sell brown rice in India. These include large and branded organizations and local, unbranded small-time sellers as well. If you buy the branded product, you can be assured of the quality and proper packaging.
The 10 Best Brown Rice Brands In India
India Gate Brown Basmati Rice
The India Gate is among the best brown rice brands available in India. Brothers Khushi Ram and Behari Lal founded KRBL in 1889. Today, their brand India Gate has become synonymous with basmati rice from India. The company is the world’s largest basmati rice exporter. Its products reach several continents. Rich in nutrients, the India Gate Brown Basmati Rice retains all the flavor and aroma of traditionally-grown basmati rice. The cooking time is fast, too.
Shri Lal Mahal Fitness Brown Basmati Rice
Established in 1907, Shri Lal Mahal Group of Companies is a premier manufacturer and exporter of all forms of basmati rice from India. Its products reach the shores of various countries in Europe and Asia. The high fiber rice is rich in health benefits and takes very little time to cook. It is free from any gluten content – thus making it an even more value proposition.
Daawat Quick Cooking Brown Rice
Manufactured by LT Foods, Daawat is among the most renowned rice brands in India. Manufactured by a special technology that keeps the nutrients intact, Daawat brown rice promises a tasty and healthy meal that is also cooked fast. A unique hydration enhancement technology keeps the bran layer moisturized. This makes it among the healthiest products in its category.
Lal Qilla Brown Basmati Rice
Sourced from the Himalayan foothills and processed using the finest technology, Lal Qlla Brown Basmati Rice promises purity of taste and quality. The grains expand several times when cooked, thereby ensuring optimum value for money. The texture is delicate and the aroma is most pleasing. The beans are ripened two years before they are sold, thus ensuring the best quality.
Kohinoor Basmati Brown Rice
Synonymous with the “taste of India,” Kohinoor Foods is a pioneer in the food products segment in more ways than one. And one of the primary products of the company is its basmati rice, available in both brown and white forms. The brown Basmati rice is un-milled and whole grain. This helps it to retain its natural goodness. It also ensures complete healthiness when consumed; hence many medical practitioners also recommend this brand. The high fiber content helps to fight cholesterol and indigestion, making it a most attractive proposition.
24Mantra Sonamasuri Organic Brown Rice
Born from a desire to provide healthy and quality food items to the people of India, Sresta is among the pioneers of organic food in India. More and more people are leaning towards organic food consumption in order to ensure a healthier living – and this is ensuring the steady growth of this brown rice. This is the flagship product of the company and is widely available, both offline and online. High in selenium and essential fats, the 24Mantra Sonamasuri Organic Brown Rice is a go-to option for health-conscious rice lovers.
Ayush Brown Rice
Popular in the southern coastal belt of India, Ayush brown rice is widely used to make South Indian delicacies like idli and appam. The rice is of the “matta” variety and is full of nutritional benefits. No synthetic pesticides or chemicals are used in the entire cultivation process. Easily digestible, Ayush Brown Rice is favored by diabetics too because of its low glycemic index. The nutty taste and aroma add an extra edge to the cooked dishes.
Manna Brown Rice
One of the most popular brands of brown rice in India among the newer entrants, the unpolished Manna brown rice is full of vitamins and minerals and makes for excellent Indian and even western rice-based dishes. With an abundance of amino acids, manganese, and antioxidants, Manna brown rice ensures that there is no compromise with your health even when you are enjoying a delicious meal.
Swabhiman33 Brown Rice
Swabhiman33 is another reputed brown rice brand in the country. The company purchases the rice directly from small-scale farmers, encouraging them to farm organic rice. This ensures zero presence of artificial growth-enhancing elements. This rice is filled with potassium and zinc – essential health elements. The company also gives back 33% of its profits to the farmers, thus enticing them to grow more of this healthy product.
Organic Tattva Masuri Brown Rice
Packed with the earthiness and raw goodness of total organic rice, Tattva is driven by the zeal to provide healthy food to Indians at an affordable price. Cultivated without any synthetic additive, the rice is filled with protein and carbohydrates. While maintaining a hundred percent health benefits, the Tattva brown rice will ensure that your meal reaches new heights of taste. The rice is also fat-free and sodium-free, so even those who are gaining weight need not hesitate while eating this rice.
List of Top 10 Brown Rice Brands In India
| Sl. No. | Name | Establishment | Website |
| 1 | India Gate Brown Basmati Rice | 1978 | http://www.krblrice.com/indiagate.html |
| 2 | Shri Lal Mahal Fitness Brown Basmati Rice | 1907 | http://shrilalmahal.org/ |
| 3 | Daawat Quick Cooking Brown Rice | 2000 | https://www.daawatbrownrice.com/ |
| 4 | Lal Qilla Brown Basmati Rice | 1960 | http://www.lalqilla-rice.com/about.php |
| 5 | Kohinoor Basmati Brown Rice | 1989 | http://kohinoorfoods.in/ |
| 6 | 24Mantra Sonamasuri Organic Brown Rice | 2015 | https://www.24mantra.com/ |
| 7 | Ayush Brown Rice | N/A | N/A |
| 8 | Manna Brown Rice | 1994 | https://www.mannafoods.in/ |
| 9 | Swabhiman33 Brown Rice | 2015 | https://www.thepurposeco.in/ |
| 10 | Organic Tattva Masuri Brown Rice | 2016 | https://www.organictattva.com/ |
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