Nutrition

Nutritionist Explains: Is Brown Rice A Good Protein Source? | Facts, Benefits & More

What Is Brown Rice Protein?

Brown rice protein, as its name suggests, is extracted from whole grain brown rice. Whole grain rice means that the rice contains both the bran and the germ; this is different to white rice, which is typically more refined, hence its paler colour.

During processing, the protein and carbohydrates in the brown rice are separated, and the protein is isolated to make the high protein powder.

How Much Protein Is In Brown Rice? Is it enough?

One serving of brown rice (around 185g cooked weight) contains 7.4g of protein. This can contribute towards your total protein goal within a meal.

For a complete balanced meal, it is recommended that all the food groups are included – protein, fats, and carbohydrates.

Benefits Of Brown Rice

It may help increase your fibre intake

Brown rice contains a higher fibre content in comparison to white rice. 95% of adults struggle to meet the recommended daily fibre intake of 30g per day. Swapping from white to brown rice is one easy swap to help get you closer to this goal

Brown rice may sustain your energy levels

Brown rice is a lower GI food, which means it is less likely to cause blood sugar spikes. This is also means that the post-meal crash is less likely as well. Including brown rice as your carbohydrate may help to keep you feeling fuller for longer and sustain those energy levels
throughout the day.

It may support your gut health

Brown rice may help to improve gut health via two mechanisms. Firstly, the high fibre content helps to feed the ‘good’ bacteria that live in our gut. Secondly, the short chain fatty acids found in brown rice help to maintain the gut wall. This is important to prevent leakage and wastage of valuable nutrients that travel through the gut.

What Is Brown Rice Protein Powder?

Myvegan Brown Rice Protein contains 23g of protein per 30g scoop. For post-workout recovery
support, it is recommended to have an extra 15-25g post-workout; whether you are trying to
generally increase protein intake or if you need extra support post-workout, Myvegan brown rice
protein will help support this goal.

It is important to note that brown rice protein is an incomplete protein – this means that is does not contain all the essential amino acids required. It is suggested to pair brown rice protein with another protein source to make a complete protein source.

 

Shop Brown Rice Protein Powder

 

Benefits Of Brown Rice Protein

May support cognitive function

Brown rice protein is high in glutamic acid: glutamic acid is an amino acid which is an
essential building block for protein. Whilst this is a non-essential amino acid (meaning it can
be synthesised in the body), it is integral for neurotransmitter function. Glutamic acid
supplementation may help to improve nerve function and support cognitive function. (2)

May help build up lean muscle

Brown rice protein is high in arginine: arginine is another non-essential amino acid that is
used as a building block for proteins. Arginine is also important for hormone balance, as it
helps to promote luteinising hormone – a hormone responsible for the production of
testosterone (important for both men and women). Arginine supplementation has been
linked with lower body fat mass, and a higher proportion of lean muscle mass. (3)

May help increase your protein intake

Brown rice protein helps to build muscle: multiple studies have shown that supplementation
with high doses of brown rice protein are just as effective when it comes to muscle repair
and strength building when compared to supplementation with whey protein powders. If
you are new to protein supplementation, brown rice protein, or any other plant-based
proteins are a great place to start and should help you to increase overall protein intake.

It’s more allergen-friendly

Brown rice protein is one of the most allergen friendly proteins: the prevalence of food
allergies is on the rise, with the three biggest culprits being shellfish, milk, and peanuts. Soy
and wheat are also on the list, which can be difficult when choosing a protein powder.
However, rice protein allergy is relatively rare, so brown rice protein is usually considered a
safe choice for the majority of people.

It can be used in many ways

Brown rice protein is naturally versatile: Myvegan brown rice protein is unflavoured so can
be used in a whole variety of ways, from baking to protein shakes. It also means it can be
mixed with other proteins without overpowering any other flavours – ideal for building a
complete protein profile.

Pair Up These Foods With Brown Rice Protein

Some of the best foods to pair with brown rice protein to build a complete protein include:
• Pea protein powder
• Soy protein powder
• Peanut butter
• Spirulina powder
• Hemp seeds

Talk To A Nutritionist

This article is for educational purposes only and not to be used as a substitute for medical advice. If you have concerns about your health, please contact your GP or other healthcare professional.

Take Home Message

In conclusion, brown rice protein has a whole host of benefits including high protein, fibre and
nutrient content. It is recommended to pair brown rice protein with another of your favourite
protein sources in order to obtain a complete amino acid profile.

Brown Rice Protein

FAQs

Can we eat brown rice daily?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a great source of nutrients, especially fibre. If you find that the
fibre content is causing bloating, then mix it with a white rice to aid with digestion.

Is brown rice higher in protein than white rice?

Brown rice contains on average, 4g of protein per 100g. This makes it slightly higher in
protein than white rice, which contains approximately 3g protein per 100g.

How much protein is in a bowl of brown rice?

One serving of brown rice (around 185g cooked weight) contains approximately 7.4g of
protein.

How much protein do I need in a day?

It is recommended that the average person requires 0.8-1.2kg protein per kg of body weight.
However, protein needs increase in those that participate in strength or endurance sports,
with a range of 1.2-2g of protein per kg of body weight.

Is brown rice protein good for you?

Protein is essential for supporting muscle repair and growth. Brown rice protein is high in
protein content, and also has a range of other benefits.

Is brown rice protein a complete protein?

Brown rice protein is not a complete protein – we recommend combining brown rice protein
with another of your favourite protein powders for maximum impact.

Is brown rice protein the same as brown rice?

Brown rice protein is extracted from whole grain brown rice. The wholegrain undergoes
processing to separate the protein and carbohydrates to create a high protein supplement.

Can brown rice protein build muscle?

Evidence suggests that supplementation with brown rice protein can have a positive impact
on muscle growth. Furthermore, there is no difference between brown rice protein and
whey protein and their effects on muscle gain.

Is brown rice protein powder easy to digest?

Some of the fibre is removed during processing, which makes brown rice protein easier to
digest than brown rice itself. It is a commonly used protein powder in many plant-based
snack bars and generally considered to be easily digested.


 

British Dietetic Association. Wholegrains: food fact sheet. [online]. BDA; 2022. Available from: https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/wholegrains.html [Accessed 20th Oct 2022]

 

Joy J, Lowery R, Wilson J, Purpura M, De Souza E, Wilson S et al. The effects of 8 weeks of why or rice protein supplementation on body composition and exercise performance. Nutr J. 2013; 12: 86

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3698202/

 

Mneal C, Meininger C, Reddy D, Wilborn C, Wu G. Safety and effectiveness of arginine in adults. J. Nutr. 2016; 146(12): 2578S-2593S

https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/146/12/2587S/4589981

 

Food Allergy Research and Education. The food allergy epidemic. [online]. FARE. 2022. Available from: https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/facts-and-statistics [Accessed 20th Oct 2022]

 

British Dietetic Association. Sport and exercise: food fact sheet. [online]. BDA, 2020. Available from: https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/sport-exercise-nutrition.html

[Accessed 20th Oct 2022].



rachelgreene

rachelgreene

Nutritionist

Rachel is a qualified Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) who holds an MSc in both Applied Human Nutrition and Physician Associate Studies. Over the last year, Rachel's been working as a freelance nutrition writer and coach, with her areas of interest including weight loss and specialist dietary requirements. As well as this, she's contributed towards published research on weight loss, and is currently studying the role of plant-based diets in health-conscious individuals.