Rice cakes are made predominantly of rice, which is considered a healthy, whole grain. Whole grains are those that have undergone very little processing and most, if not all, of the grain kernel has been left intact. Whole grains are touted as having many health benefits, including the ability to improve digestive health. Some varieties of rice cakes can be considered healthy, but others have additives, such as flavorings and sweeteners, which may reduce their nutritional value. Check the food label of your rice cakes, to determine how healthy they are for you.
Whole Grains
For rice cakes to be considered a good source of whole grains, the packaging will contain a "Whole Grains" stamp. A food item that is a good source of whole grains contains from 8 to 16 g of whole grains per serving. The Whole Grains Council recommends three to six servings of whole grains per day for women and three to seven servings per day for men. One serving of rice cakes usually consists of one rice cake or five small rice cakes, but check the food label to verify the serving size of the type of rice cakes you have purchased.
Added Sugar
Rice cakes are usually low in sugar, fat and calories, which makes them a good snack choice for a healthy diet, as well as for their grain content. Again, some varieties of rice cakes may have additional ingredients, such as artificial flavors or sweeteners, which make them not as healthy as other, more natural varieties. Check your food labels for grams of sugar. Added sweeteners, such as sucrose, fructose or corn syrup, should be limited in your diet.
Healthy Diet
A diet containing a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, lean meats, low-fat dairy and whole grains is recommended by the American Dietetic Association for optimal health. Rice cakes can fit nicely into a healthy menu. As a snack, rice cakes go well with lean protein sources, such as hummus or reduced fat peanut butter. Rice cakes also work well as a bread substitute and can be used to build a sandwich.
Considerations
Most foods can be included as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Rice cakes, no matter which variety, can be enjoyed in moderation, as with most other food items.
For help building a well-balanced, healthy diet, consult a registered dietitian. A dietitian is specially trained to tailor meal plans exactly to the health specifications of an individual.
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