He added that Basmati variety of rice, which is mainly used in popular dishes like biryani, mandi and madhbi, has lower nutritional value when compared to US or Thai style parboiled rice.Most of the rice varieties, including Basmati, are polished, which has lower nutritional value, when compared to parboiled rice, which is more popular in South Indian communities as well as in Egypt, South-East Asia and in the US.He said that grains constitute the most important part of our diet, are a source of complex carbohydrates, and need to be taken in moderation, due to the lifestyle most people follow in the UAE.According to a popular chef, rice has become a major part of the food culture in the GCC countries, particularly because of the huge Asian population.