Brown rice vs Cornstarch: How Are They Different?

Brown rice and cornstarch belong to the grains food group, one of the staple food groups for people on a plant-based diet.

Grains and grain products are an affordable source of carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (such as thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin), iron, and zinc, minerals that are usually harder to get on a plant-based diet.

They also provide a small amount of protein and healthy fats.

However, it is important to note that whole grains are generally a better source of these nutrients than refined grains.

This article will thoroughly compare brown rice and cornstarch and help you learn more about their similarities and differences.

Brown rice

Brown rice (Oryza sativa) is a whole-grain rice that is minimally processed, retaining its nutrient-rich bran and germ layers.

It is a good source of carbohydrates, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is particularly high in vitamins B3, B1, B6, and B9 and minerals like manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. The high fiber content of brown rice has been linked to improved digestion, weight management, and lower cholesterol levels.

Brown rice is a staple food in many cultures and is often used as a side dish, in soups and stews, and as an ingredient in salads, sushi, and other dishes. It is also considered a functional food, as it has been shown to positively impact health when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet.

Brown rice is a gluten-free alternative to wheat-based products, making it a good option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Brown rice is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine).

It also contains Vitamin B9 (Folate) in a small amount.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch (Zea mays) is a type of carbohydrate derived from the endosperm of the corn kernel.

It is a good source of energy, providing a high amount of carbohydrates and small amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is pure starch and has a very low nutritional value compared to whole-grain cornmeal.

Cornstarch is commonly used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking, as it can absorb liquids and increase the viscosity of sauces, gravies, and puddings. It is also used as a coating for fried foods to provide a crisp texture. It is a gluten-free ingredient and can be used as a thickener for people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

Cornstarch is typically used in small amounts and is not a significant source of nutrition in the diet. It is often used as a thickener in combination with other ingredients, and when consumed in moderation, it can be included as part of a healthy diet.

Cornstarch is not an excellent source of any particular vitamin.

Brown rice vs Cornstarch Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing brown rice vs cornstarch.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of brown rice and cornstarch and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.

Brown rice vs Cornstarch Calories

Most calories in grains come from carbs.

Comparing brown rice vs cornstarch for weight loss, brown rice is slightly lower in calories, with 362 calories per 100 grams, compared to 381 calories per 100 grams of cornstarch.

However, both brown rice and cornstarch can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.

Brown rice vs Cornstarch Protein

Grains and most grain products, including brown rice and cornstarch, are important sources of plant-based protein.

However, it should be noted that most grains, with the exception of quinoa and buckwheat, for example, are low in lysine and methionine.

That said, you can combine grains with legumes to get a complete protein.

Brown rice offers around 97% more protein than cornstarch.

Brown rice has 7.5 grams of protein per 100 grams, while cornstarch has 0.3 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Brown rice vs Cornstarch Carbs

Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.

It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in brown rice and cornstarch.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 17% higher in cornstarch than in brown rice. It has 91.3 grams per 100 grams, compared to 76.2 grams in brown rice.

That said, 100 grams of brown rice and cornstarch contains 0 grams of sugar, the same amount.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in brown rice and cornstarch.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

With 3.4 grams of fiber per 100 grams, brown rice is a better source of fiber than cornstarch which brown rice offers 0.9 grams per 100 gram portion.

Brown rice vs Cornstarch Fats

Like most other grains, brown rice and cornstarch are low in fat.

Fats in brown rice and cornstarch are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in brown rice and cornstarch:

• Brown rice: 2.7 grams per 100 grams
• Cornstarch: 0.1 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, cornstarch is 100% lower in saturated fats.

Cornstarch and brown rice contain 0 grams and 0.5 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Brown rice vs Cornstarch Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of brown rice and cornstarch.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

However, cornstarch has a higher amount of vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), vitamin E, and vitamin K.

Brown rice and cornstarch contain the same amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins brown rice and cornstarch contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Brown rice vs Cornstarch Minerals Content

Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.

Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc, or iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the brown rice and cornstarch comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Brown rice is a better source of selenium, and sodium than cornstarch.

On the other hand, cornstarch is a higher amount of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

Brown rice and cornstarch contain the same amount of fluoride.

Check out the table below to learn how brown rice and cornstarch compare when it comes to mineral content.

The Final Word

This article highlighted the similarities and differences between brown rice and cornstarch.

Grains, also known as cereal grains, are an important source of nutrition for many people around the world. They are a rich source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body.

Whole grains contain important vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and iron. Whole grains, in particular, are high in dietary fiber and can help with digestion and weight management.

They may also have other health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Grains are also a staple food and an important source of food security in many parts of the world.