White rice vs Pink or Red Lentils: Which Is Better?

Although white rice and pink or red lentils belong to different food groups, while white rice belong is a grain, and pink or red lentils belong to legumes food group, and it’s not that common to compare foods from different groups, people are often interested in these comparisons as well.

That’s why we decided to create an in-depth article that compares white rice and pink or red lentils, their nutritional values, similarities, differences, macronutrients, and micronutrients – vitamins and minerals.

Generally speaking, foods from grains and legume food groups are both high in carbs and protein and valuable addition to a plant-based diet.

Now, let’s see how white rice and pink or red lentils compare specifically.

White rice

White rice (Oryza sativa) has had its husk, bran, and germ removed, leaving only the starchy endosperm. This process, called milling, makes the rice less nutritious but increases its shelf life and gives it a lighter color and texture.

White rice is a good source of carbohydrates, small amounts of protein, and fiber. It is gluten-free and easy to digest, making it a great option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

White 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 and sushi. 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.

White rice is a gluten-free alternative to wheat-based products, making it a good option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. However, brown rice and other types of whole grains are less nutritious than brown rice, as it has had its bran and germ removed.

White rice is an excellent source of Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and some Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine).

Pink or Red Lentils

Pink or red lentils (Lens culinaris) are a type of legume native to Southwest Asia.

They are a popular ingredient in many vegan and vegetarian dishes due to their high protein and fiber content, as well as their mild, slightly nutty flavor.

Pink and red lentils are also a good source of several important nutrients, including potassium, iron, and B vitamins.

They can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, such as lentil soup, curry, and all types of salads.

In addition to being a nutritious food, pink and red lentils have been shown to have a number of potential health benefits.

They have been linked to lower cholesterol levels and improved blood sugar control, and may also help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Pink or Red Lentils are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B9 (Folate), and Vitamin K.

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin E and some Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid).

White rice vs Pink or Red Lentils Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing white rice vs pink or red lentils.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of white rice and pink or red lentils and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.

White rice vs Pink or Red Lentils Calories

Most calories in raw grains and legumes come from carbs. Peanuts are an exception here, but they are often considered a nut instead of a legume because of their nutritional profile.

Comparing pink or red lentils vs white rice for weight loss, pink or red lentils are slightly lower in calories, with 358 calories per 100 grams, compared to 360 calories per 100 grams of white rice.

However, both white rice and pink or red lentils can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.

White rice vs Pink or Red Lentils Protein

Legumes and most legume products, including white rice and pink or red lentils, are important sources of plant-based protein.

Pink or Red Lentils offer around 72% more protein than white rice.

Pink or Red Lentils have 23.9 grams of protein per 100 grams, while white rice has 6.6 grams of protein per 100 grams.

White rice vs Pink or Red Lentils 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 white rice and pink or red lentils.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 20% higher in white rice than in pink or red lentils. It have 79.3 grams per 100 grams, compared to 63.1 grams in pink or red lentils.

There’s less sugar in white rice than in pink or red lentils, 76% precisely.

One handful of white rice (28 grams) contains 0.5 grams of sugar, while the same amount of pink or red lentils contains 2.1 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in white rice and pink or red lentils.

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

With 3 grams of fiber per portion, pink or red lentils are a better source of fiber than white rice which offer 0.9 grams per portion.

White rice vs Pink or Red Lentils Fats

Like most other grains and legumes, with the exception of lupins and peanuts, white rice and pink or red lentils are low in fat.

Fats in white rice and pink or red lentils are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in white rice and pink or red lentils:

• White rice: 0.6 grams per 100 grams
• Pink or Red Lentils: 2.2 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, white rice is 50% lower in saturated fats.

White rice and pink or red lentils contain 0.2 grams and 0.4 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

White rice vs Pink or Red Lentils Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of white rice and pink or red lentils.

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

White rice has a higher amount of vitamin C, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), vitamin E, and vitamin K.

However, pink or red lentils have a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin B3 (Niacin), and vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid).

White rice and pink or red lentils contain the same amount of vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins white rice and pink or red lentils contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

White rice vs Pink or Red Lentils 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 white rice and pink or red lentils comparison focuses on their mineral content.

White rice is a better source of calcium, copper, fluoride, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc than pink or red lentils.

On the other hand, pink or red lentils are a higher amount of selenium.

Check out the table below to learn how white rice and pink or red lentils compare when it comes to mineral content.

The Final Word

White rice and pink or red lentils are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both white rice and pink or red lentils are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.

Antioxidants found in grains and legumes can help to protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases and the effects of aging.

Additionally, the fiber and other nutrients in these foods can support the health of the digestive system and may even help to prevent certain digestive cancers.

Legumes and grains are a versatile food that can be incorporated into any meal of the day, including breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be served hot or cold, making them a convenient and tasty addition to a variety of dishes.