It's unfair to compare quinoa to rice, because quinoa isn't actually a grain. It is the seed of the quinoa family, a relative of beets and spinach. But quinoa is considered a pseudo grain because it's cooked and eaten like a grain and has similar nutrients. Rice and quinoa are both part of a healthy lifestyle. If you are recovering from a stomach bug, white rice is a good choice. But overall, brown rice is a healthier option, mainly because the fiber in brown rice helps prevent spikes in blood sugar.