Rice cakes, which are made from puffed rice, can be quite bland on their own. However, you can use a variety of toppings on rice cracks to create a flavorful, low calorie meal or snack. All varieties of rice cakes are similar in calorie and carbohydrate content, but the vitamin and mineral content may vary slightly.
Calories
One serving of brown rice cakes, or 2 cakes, contains 70 calories. These calories are composed of 75 percent carbohydrates, 9 percent protein and 6 percent fat. Rice cakes are low in both fat and protein. One serving contains only .5 g of fat and 1.5 g of protein. This provides less than 5 percent of the daily value of protein for adults.
Carbohydrates
The majority of the calories in rice cakes come from carbohydrates, and most of these come from starch. Rice cakes are low in the other two types of carbohydrates: fiber and sugar. One serving of brown rice cakes contains only .2 g of sugar and .8 g of fiber. This provides less than 5 percent of the daily value of fiber.
Minerals
Rice cakes are high in manganese. Two brown rice cakes supply 38 percent of the daily value for women and 29 percent for men. Magnesium assists in the production of synovial fluid, which helps lubricate your joints. It also helps regulate your blood pressure and is necessary for the growth of your bones. Rice cakes contain smaller amounts of two other minerals: phosphorus and magnesium. One serving provides more than 5 percent of the daily value of magnesium and more than 9 percent of phosphorus. Both of these minerals also assist in the formation of strong bones.
Vitamins
Brown rice cakes are low in all B vitamins except niacin. One serving provides 9 percent of this vitamin, which is also known as B-3. Niacin helps you break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It also helps you manufacture hydrochloric acid, which aids in the digestion process. Brown rice cakes provide less than 5 percent of all B vitamins, as well as vitamins A, C, D, E and K.
Topping Suggestions
Because they are low in calories and fat, rice cakes are an excellent low calorie replacement for bread or crackers. You can top them with high protein foods, such as sliced turkey, peanut butter, low fat cheese or tuna fish, to create a higher protein meal or snack.
Member Comments