Brown Rice Protein - Ultimate Guide

Your desire to follow a healthier lifestyle may lead you to look into ways to clean up your diet, consume more healthy proteins and balance your meals. One great way to do that is by adding brown rice protein to your diet. 

If you have never tried rice protein or are wondering how it could benefit you, read on to learn more about this powerhouse protein source that is beginning to make its way onto the radar of increasing numbers of health-conscious individuals.

What Is Brown Rice and What Makes It Different From White Rice?

Brown rice is an incredible whole grain type of rice. It is brown rather than white because it includes the cereal germ and the bran layer that white rice does not. All that’s removed from the rice to make it edible is its tough outer hull.

While many carbohydrates are not considered healthy because they quickly raise your blood sugar without functioning as long-term energy sources, brown rice is a smart choice because it includes plenty of fiber and other micronutrients that white rice does not have. In fact, the fiber content in brown rice is four times higher than the measurable fiber found in white rice. In addition, it has higher quantities of numerous B vitamins, magnesium, manganese, iron and zinc. A large portion of these nutrients have been stripped from white rice during processing. Research has also shown that brown rice helpfully slows gastric digestion, leading to a longer feeling of fullness.

Protein Powder from Brown Rice

While whole brown rice makes an incredible addition to many stir-fry meals and all types of Asian cuisine, there is more than one way to benefit from this rich grain. Brown rice protein powder is a powerful dietary supplement that can not only help you meet your body’s protein requirements but also boost your overall health. When ground brown rice is treated with special enzymes, a high amount of protein can be extracted from it. After extraction, the protein is made into a powder that can easily be added to all kinds of meals and shakes.

Rice Protein Powder is not Rice Flour

As you search for brown rice protein powder, make sure that you do not get it confused with rice flour. With rice flour, the protein has not been extracted, and you will still be getting loads of carbohydrates. While rice flour may be a smart option for gluten-free baking, it is not a wise choice if you want to add more protein into your diet.

Health Benefits of Brown Rice Protein Powder

Although brown rice protein powder has not yet become as popular as whey protein powder, it is slowly growing in popularity. It may not be the top choice for body-builders because it has lower levels of certain amino acids that are found in high levels in whey. However, it still has plenty of known health benefits and should be a top contender for your healthy diet. Check out some of the ways that your body can benefit from rice protein below.

Dairy-free source of protein

While whey protein powder does have its high points, it is problematic for certain people, such as those that want to go dairy-free. Unlike other dairy-free protein powder options, brown rice comes with a more affordable price tag, making this healthy option more attainable for those who choose not to use other products.

Easy to digest

Whey protein is also a problem for many individuals with lactose intolerances. However, brown rice protein solves that problem with its easy digestibility. It is a hypoallergenic choice that is gentle on your entire digestive tract.

Excellent for building new muscle cells

While brown rice protein powder is not considered a complete protein because it does not contain high enough levels of all amino acids, it is still quite good at building muscle. In fact, while similar amounts of whey protein powder and brown rice protein powder may have the same amount of carbohydrates and numerous other similarities, brown rice does a better job at getting the broken-down amino acids to the muscles. This makes it a smart post-workout protein choice.

Helps with weight loss

Research has shown that brown rice protein powder may be powerfully effective at helping the body burn through fat. In addition, it can increase your feeling of fullness, helping you stay satisfied between meals. Brown rice also lowers hormonal ghrelin levels, which even out your feelings of hunger, helping you avoid unhealthy blood sugar and insulin spikes. Other research has shown that brown rice protein has a more powerful effect on weight loss than even soy protein does.

Improves liver health

Research has shown that the antioxidants naturally present in brown rice can help protect the liver from damage over the years.

Sustainable protein source for eco-conscious consumers

Rice has been grown for millennia, and it remains as one of the most widely grown and consumed crops around the world. It is cheap and easy to grow and can be harvested and processed in an environmentally friendly way.

Brown Rice Protein Vs. Other Dairy-Free Protein Powders

Today, there are many good choices for protein powders that you can easily add to shakes, soups and even baked goods. Because of this, it can be difficult to choose the right option, especially if you are looking for a dairy-free alternative to whey. You can easily find soy, collagen, hemp, seed and pea protein powders on the shelves of many stores today.

While soy is a complete protein, it has frequently been shrouded in controversy regarding its effects on hormonal health. Hemp also includes omega fatty acids but has a grassy taste and a sandy texture that can be difficult to mask. Seed protein powder is typically expensive and far more difficult to find than brown rice. Finally, collagen is an excellent source of protein that also improves skin and bone health.

You may want to try out a few options at first to determine which flavor and texture most appeals to you. Whichever you choose, you will always want to purchase safe, pure protein powders from high-quality sources. Once you consider all these points, you may find that brown rice protein is the best option to meet your needs.

Finding Quality Brown Rice Protein Powder

Today, there are plenty of brands claiming to sell the best brown rice protein powder at a bargain. Sifting through all of the options in stores and online can make your head spin. You want a version that you can feel good about purchasing and one that will boost your health rather than tearing it down.

Start by searching for a brown rice protein powder with a simple formulation. There should not be unnecessary additives or fillers. You can always add your own fruits, vegetables and flavorings to it later depending on how you plan to use the powder. Opt for a powder made from pure rice protein. In addition, the rice protein should be from an organic source.

When you choose Zen Principle brown rice protein powder, you can rest assured that the product is completely pure and organic and includes a single ingredient. There are no fillers or sweeteners, allowing you to create the drink or meal that you want.

Brown rice protein powder is an excellent choice for many people. It will help you feel full and let you meet your daily protein needs more easily while also giving you a wide variety of other health benefits. Whether you are looking for a post-workout shake regimen or simply want to supplement your meals with a little extra protein, consider brown rice protein powder for a safe and proven option.