Rice noodles are normally made from white rice flour. Although you can find fresh rice noodles in Asian grocery stores, they are normally sold dried. In comparison to wheat noodles, the texture and flavour are much delicate. Rice noodles are low in fat and gluten-free. There are certain minerals in rice noodles that have health benefits. A popular Chinese food in Kolkata is rice noodles.

MACRO-NUTRIENT, CALORIE AND SODIUM CONTENT

There are 207 calories per serving in a 2-ounce serving of dried rice noodles. In this serving size, there are also 3.4 grams of protein, less than 1 gram of dietary fiber, approximately 46 grams of carbohydrates and negligible amounts of sugar. The sodium content in per serving amounts to over 100 milligrams. There are other ingredients with which rice noodles are served, Along with the cooking method, these affect the calorie, fat, protein, carbohydrate and sodium content of the final dish.

A LOW-FAT CARB CHOICE

There are only 0.3 grams of fat in a 2-ounce serving of rice noodles. They can provide a filling base for a meal without the worry of increasing fat, as rice noodles have naturally low-fat carbohydrate. However, the fat content can be affected by the cooking method. The fat content can significantly increase if rice noodles are used in stir-fry dishes such as pad thai. Rice noodles can be used in soups or steamed with fresh veggies to keep the fat amount low.

A GLUTEN-FREE NOODLE

Rice noodles are made from white rice flour and are naturally gluten-free. If you are suffering from celiac disease or have gluten sensitivity, this is a great choice for you. Those who have gluten sensitivity have a lot of problems such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, tiredness and difficulty in concentration if they consume gluten. There can be weight loss and poor nutrition in extreme cases. At Chowman, the famous Chinese restaurant in Kolkata, many food lovers order rice noodles.

ESSENTIAL AND TRACE MINERALS

There is sufficient amount of manganese in rice noodles. For metabolism, regulation of blood sugar and decreasing inflammation in the body, manganese is essential. One can get 14 per cent of the recommended daily allowance of manganese from rice noodles. Selenium provides 12 per cent RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) and this important trace mineral is available in rice noodles. In reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer, selenium helps by acting as an antioxidant in your body.

PHOSPHORUS FOR BONE HEALTH

In our body, phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral after calcium. Your bones and teeth remain strong and healthy because of these two minerals. Phosphorus helps your body store, process and store energy. It also assists in filtering out waste in your kidneys. For adults including pregnant and breastfeeding women, the Recommended Dietary Allowance is 700 milligrams. The amount of phosphorus in a 2-ounce serving of rice noodles is 87 milligrams, which provides more than 9 per cent of the RDA for all adults.