Nutritional value in pasta (per 100g)
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 0.7g
- Carbs: 32.5g
- Starch: 31g
- Fibre: 1.4g
- Protein: 5.1g
Thus, when given the option between rice and noodles, you might want to think about the following:
The Glycemic Index is a metric used to quantify the effects of food on blood sugar levels. The capacity of a food to raise blood sugar levels increases with its glycemic index. A Glycemic Index is deemed high if it exceeds 70, moderate if it falls between 56 and 69, and low if it falls below 55. Glycemic index values for foods like noodles and pastas typically range from moderate to high, with white rice having a value of 73.
Since both rice and noodles are sources of carbohydrates, which is better? For comparison, 175 calories are found in 100 grams of white rice. Fifty grams of dry, uncooked noodles contain the same number of calories. For example, 100 grams of noodles will provide more calories than that amount. However, if you’re wondering which is healthier, the rice or noodles you typically eat are pretty much the same. Once more, the kind of carbohydrate consumed matters more than its quantity.
Noodles that we usually consume are the product of processed flour. If the noodles are not produced from whole grains, then they are the product of refined grains. Meanwhile, white rice is indeed a refined grain. Therefore, from the types we can conclude that both rice and noodles are products of refined grains. Overconsumption of refined grains can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. Refined grains can also trigger inflammation in the body that can lead to degenerative diseases such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Meanwhile, complex carbohydrates are the healthier type of carbohydrate. Complex carbohydrates usually do not go through processing, or very little. Examples are whole wheat bread, quinoa, brown rice, black rice, cereals, grains, vegetables and fruits. This type of carbohydrate is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients. Unlike refined grains, whole grains are still fully intact to their skin, thereby retaining essential vitamins and minerals. It is recommended that people consume more complex carbs.
