Is rice flour really good for you? | The Times of India (2024)

With so many options available to fill our plates, choosing the most suitable food has become a tad bit challenging. In the old days, a simple meal of roti, sabzi, and dal would make up the contents of a well balanced and elaborate meal. Nowadays, we think twice before putting any food in our mouth, worrying about its nutrition and health implications. With the advent of thousands of health-centric food products, we take a look at one such food product which has found its way into many kitchens, with many benefits to boast about.

Rice flour is a fine flour procured from ground rice. It is being opted as an alternative to the more traditional wheat flour because of its gluten-free property. Gluten allergies are on the rise, and with its high wheat content, people are opting for the more favourable rice flour. It is commonly used in Asian kitchens to make desserts, rice noodles, and soup, and since it is also used as a thickening agent in recipes, it doubles up as a healthy substitute for cornstarch.

- The first benefit, of course, is that rice flour is gluten-free, making it safe for people with gluten allergies or celiac disease.

- Rice flour, especially the brown rice flour variety, is an excellent source of fibre, which not only improves digestive health but has also shown to reduce cholesterol levels.

- Rice flour enhances liver health, as it contains choline, which transports cholesterol and triglycerides from the liver to where they are required in the body.

When it comes to nutritional value, both rice flour and wheat rice share a similar composition. Both contain minerals like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin E. Wheat flour is richer than rice flour in folate, a B-vitamin, which plays a role in making red and white blood cells in the bone marrow, as well as converting carbohydrates into energy. Rice flour has less yeast, which would require you to use more baking products while cooking with it.

Obviously, what’s good and what isn’t is pretty subjective, for one man’s food is another man’s poison. Rice flour is ideal for people with gluten-related problems, or for those who have digestion and bowel related problems. However, wheat flour has its own set of benefits, which could make one consider using it over rice flour. So the answer is, it depends on the individual. One should opt for the flour that suits their body better - so listen to your body.