What Are the Benefits of Jasmine Rice?

Jasmine rice is long-grained, with a fragrant, floral aroma. It's the most popular rice in Thailand and throughout Southeast Asia, according to specialty food magazine "The Nibble." This aromatic rice is often served with coconut and seafood dishes, and it is sometimes used as a substitute for basmati rice. Although it's sold in both the brown and white varieties, brown jasmine rice trumps white rice in nutrient benefits.

Basic Nutrient Benefits

A 1-cup serving of brown jasmine rice contains over 5 grams of protein, which is 10 percent of the daily value, or DV, set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day. This same serving size of brown jasmine rice also provides approximately 45 grams of carbohydrate, which is 15 percent of the DV; less than 2 grams of fat, which is just 0.03 percent of the DV; and 216 calories. White jasmine rice contains 4 grams of protein, approximately 45 grams of carbs, 0.44 grams of fat and 205 calories.

Provides Vital B Vitamins

Vitamins don't provide your body with energy, but they're crucial to your body's cell production, metabolism and other vital processes. Each 1-cup serving of brown jasmine rice contains 3 milligrams of niacin, a B vitamin, which is 15 percent of the DV; approximately 0.3 milligrams of vitamin B-6, which is 15 percent of the DV; and about 0.2 milligrams of thiamin, another B vitamin, which is 13 percent of the DV. A 1-cup portion of white jasmine rice contains about 2 milligrams of niacin, 0.147 milligrams of vitamin B-6 and around 0.2 milligrams of thiamin.

Supplies Mighty Minerals

Minerals help form your body's structure and aid in proper system functions. Your body needs only a small amount of minerals, but getting a sufficient amount is crucial to your body's health. A 1-cup serving of brown jasmine rice contains 84 milligrams of magnesium, which is 21 percent of the DV, and 162 milligrams of phosphorus, which is 16 percent of the DV. A 1-cup serving of white jasmine rice contains just 19 milligrams of magnesium and 68 milligrams of phosphorus.

Boosts Fiber Intake

Dietary fiber is a complex carbohydrate found only in plant foods. Although humans aren't able to digest fiber, it provides vital health benefits. Fiber, also known as roughage, helps lower and control blood sugar levels and blood cholesterol levels, and it also helps prevent constipation. Brown jasmine rice is packed with fiber. While a 1-cup serving of brown jasmine rice provides 3.5 grams of fiber, which is 14 percent of the DV, the white variety provides 0.6 grams, or just 0.02 percent of the DV.