Nutritional Information On Rice Paper

Rice paper, made from the rice plant, is the central ingredient in spring rolls and often is used in Asian cuisine. The website FitDay indicates that edible rice paper is low in fat and calories. It contains about 1 percent of the recommended daily allowance of sodium, carbs and protein. While it's not high in vitamins and nutrients, when eaten in moderation, rice paper is not unhealthy and won't contribute to obesity.

Carbohydrates

Edible rice paper contains about 4.35 g of carbs or 1 percent of the daily value. Carbohydrates are a nutrient the body needs in moderation for energy. While many rice products are considered simple carbs, a type of carb linked to obesity, a particular product might contain complex carbs, depending on how it is manufactured. Complex carbs are more easily broken down into glucose and converted into fuel for the body.

Protein

All of the cells and tissues of the body are made up of proteins, making protein an essential nutrient. The body needs protein for growth and to build and repair muscle. Protein also is responsible for producing enzymes, hormones and other chemicals the body needs for proper functioning. According to the Institute of Medicine, the RDA for protein is 0.8 g for males and females. Rice paper contains about 1 percent of the RDA of protein, which is not nearly enough, but much better than a food containing high levels of fat and calories. It's also a good food to eat for people who avoid animal-based foods. Additionally, the Vegetarian Resource Group indicates that people only need small amounts of protein, only 1 calorie out of every 10 you take in should come from protein.

Vitamin B6

Your body relies on vitamin B6 for more than 100 enzyme functions and protein metabolism. B6 plays an important role in red blood cell production as well as the nervous and immune systems. The RDA for vitamin B6 is between 1.3 and 1.7 mg for healthy adults, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. You will find about 1 percent of the RDA of vitamin B6 in edible rice paper, a negligible amount, but better than zero. While you should not eat rice paper to fulfill your vitamin B6 RDA, you can use it as part of a healthy diet.

Phosphorous

The Linus Pauling Institute, LPI, reports that phosphorous is an essential mineral required by every cell in your body for normal functioning. Phosphorous is a major component of bone and cell membranes and plays a role in producing and storing energy. Rice paper contains about 1 percent of the RDA of phosphorous -- LPI reports that healthy adults should get about 700 mg of dietary phosphorous daily.

Dietary Significance

Rice paper may not have much in the way of nutritional value, but that doesn't mean it has no benefits at all. In fact, rice paper is a good gluten-free food for those with gluten allergies and sensitivities. It's also one of the few staples of Asian cuisine that can be used in preparing low-sodium dishes.