Rice vs. Chappati: We tell you which is healthier

Health enthusiasts in India are always plagued with this question: what do you choose – chapattis or rice? As fitness enthusiasts, this is one of the biggest concerns while chalking out a healthy, clean diet that promises to give the nutritional value it claims. Sometimes rice seems to top the list and chapatis seems to take the crown. Although both are healthy options under moderation, the question is which one is healthier?

But before we dive into the benefits of both of these food staples, we need to look at the nutritional value they provide. Both rice and chapatis have been an Indian staple for centuries, it’s our companion to every meal and without it, meals seems incomplete.

Carbohydrates have been underrated for a long time. The misconception that eating carbs can only lead to weight gain is flawed. Recent studies have shown that a healthy dose of carbohydrates is important in a balanced diet, and fad diets that encourage you to cut off carbs completely should be avoided at all costs. So, are you also wondering which is best for a healthy diet? Chapati or Rice?

Here's the comparison here is done between atta chapati and white rice:

Nutritional Value
The difference in nutritional value for both the food items isn’t much. Both give you the same amount of calories and are made up of carbohydrates. Let’s compare them by taking a look at their macro nutrients.

Rice: 1/3 cup of rice is 80 calories, which contains 18gms of carbohydrates along with 1gm of protein and 0.1gm of fat.
Chapati: 1 chapati is 71 calories, which contains 15gms of carbohydrates with 3gms of protein, 0.4gms of fat and 2gms of fiber.

Benefits
Rice is easily digestible and rich in carbohydrates. The carbs give a boost of energy and because it’s easy to digest, it can be used to relive an upset stomach. Rice also helps in controlling high blood pressure due to its low sodium levels. It’s also gluten-free, therefore, it's best for people who have gluten intolerance or suffer from celiac disease.

Chapatis, on the other hand, are richer in nutrients like Vitamin B, E, copper, magnesium, calcium, etc. Due to the iron content, it maintains the hemoglobin levels in the blood. Plus, it’s great for diabetics as it doesn’t increase blood sugar levels. The presence of extra protein and dietary fiber present in the chapati makes it a healthier choice. Chapatis make you feel full for longer and the hunger pangs subside by a lot. Although, if you are following a sodium-free diet, rice would be your best friend as chapatis are quite high in sodium.

So what should you be consuming? What’s healthier?
It’s chapatis.

Due to the fiber content and the extra nutrients that rice is processed out of, chapatis take the crown for being the healthier choice. A single chapati contains a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals when compared to rice.