Is Rice a Vegetable or Fruit?
Rice is a staple food for many cultures, so it is common to wonder whether it is a vegetable or a fruit. Despite its culinary uses, rice is actually neither a fruit nor a vegetable.
What Rice Actually Is
Rice is a grain — particularly a type of grass with grain — that is grown and harvested worldwide. Grains are the edible seeds of grasses and are used as food.
Why Is It Hard to Determine?
Because it is a grain, it is not classified as either a fruit or a vegetable. Fruits and vegetables are considered to be parts of plants that are eaten and can be cooked or processed. Because rice is a grain, it is often considered to be a form of grain instead of a fruit or vegetable.
What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Rice?
Rice is a complex carbohydrate and is a good source of energy. In addition, it is low in calories, fat and sodium, and contains many essential minerals and vitamins such as Vitamins B1, B2 and B6, iron and magnesium. It also contains a good amount of dietary fibre which can help to regulate digestion.
Conclusion
Rice is not a fruit or vegetable, and is instead a grain. It is a complex carbohydrate that provides many essential nutrients and minerals, and can be incorporated into a balanced diet.
Nutritional benefits of rice include:
- Good source of energy
- Low in calories, fat and sodium
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals
- Good source of dietary fibre
