With brown rice, only the outermost layer of the grain (the husk) is removed with brown rice. With white rice, the next layers underneath the husk (the bran layer and the germ) are removed.

Because of this, several vitamins and dietary minerals are lost with white rice.

A part of these missing nutrients, such as Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3, and iron are sometimes added back into the white rice and that is why it is labeled, "enriched."

However, one mineral which is not added back into white rice is magnesium. One cup of cooked long grain brown rice contains 84 mg of magnesium, while one cup of white rice contains only 19 mg.

When the bran layer is removed to make white rice, the oil in the bran is also removed- which some experts claim to help lower LDL cholesterol. Among other key sources of nutrition lost are small amounts of fatty acids and fiber.

Even though brown rice can be a little more expensive than white rice, it scores very high when honoring your dollar in the grocery store.

Lavish Cheapskate Rating for Brown Rice:

Scores 4 1/2 out of 5 for Best Value for your dollar.

Lavish Cheapskate Rating for White Rice:

Scores 3 out of 5 for Best Value for your dollar.

Did you know...

Now, let's compare the price of those inexpensive prepackaged rice meals at the grocery store to brown rice...

Many people clip coupons to buy these prepackaged rice dinners. They range from $1.00 (with a coupon) to approximately $1.49.

Brown rice beats the standards price with a savings of over 75%. With a coupon, brown rice beats the sale price with a savings of over 50%.

Plus, there are no additives and you cut the processing out of the picture. It's a great whole food and you will beat the coupon hands down!

Lavish Cheapskate Rating for Prepackaged Rice Products:

Scores 1 1/2 out of 5 for Best Value for your dollar.