Rice not only feeds the largest number of people on Earth, it forms the bulk of food of a large number of poor people. Its nutritional value is therefore of prime importance. The protein content of rice is relatively low, yet its quality is good. Milling leads to drastic loss of its B vitamins, further loss occurring during its washing and cooking in excess water. Calcium and iron deficiency, apart from that of vitamins, are the main defects of the poor rice-eater’s diet. Viewed broadly, excessive refining of staple grains, including rice, is now considered as a major contributor to the modern life style ‘diseases of affluence’. Glycaemic index, content of resistant starch and various antinutritional constituents are factors for consideration in the rice diet of the more affluent.