5 Amazing Health Benefits Of Rice Flour

Rice (Oryza sativa) is one food grain which has been around for thousands of years. It is believed to have been cultivated about 5000-7000 years ago in Yangtze River Valley region of China and then believed to have been taken to Southeast Asia and Indian Subcontinent about 5000 years back. From the northern plains region, it was brought down to southern India about 3400 years ago.

In fact, India is one of the top producers of rice in the world in present times. The States of West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh are three highest producers of rice in the country. It is also the staple food item of eastern and southern parts of India.

Rice grows well in the hot and humid climatic regions of tropical latitudes which receive heavy rainfall (more than 100cm) or are well irrigated.

Archeologically, the earliest remains of rice grain in Indian subcontinent have been found in Indo-Gangetic plains region about 5000 years back.

# Improves Immunity

Our body has a natural ability to fight the diseases. This is done by production of anti-bodies to fight off the disease. By incorporating rice flour in diet, there is addition of zinc nutrient through food. Zinc helps in development of immunity of body. So, you do not catch weather-changes related ailments easily and the duration of these ailments is also reduced considerably.

# Improves Skin Health

Rice flour also has cosmetic applications. It is used as an exfoliate which is used to remove dead skin cells. It tightens skin, remove acne and removes the dark circles present underneath the eyes. The amino acids and vitamins present in the flour help in whitening the skin texture and protecting it from dirt. For application on skin, it is usually mixed with turmeric, aloe vera or yogurt.

# Helps Celiac Disease Patients

One of the key properties of rice flour is that it is generally gluten-free, which is suitable alternative to gluten rich food grain flours such as wheat. For the people having Celiac disease, eating gluten causes the immune system of the body to damage the small intestine which reduces its ability to absorb nutrients. By removing gluten from the food, the intestine is allowed to heal. Rice flour proves to be good alternative in this respect.

# Helps in Digestive System and Excretory System

Digestive and excretory system of human body is critical to good health. Since rice flour is rich in fiber, this helps in normal functioning in both these systems. The insoluble fibre content of the brown rice flour helps in regulating bowel movement, preventing cramps and treating diarrhoea. This fibre is not dissolved and provides the much needed lubrication to intestines digestion and for easing movement of excreta. This helps in improving colon health, preventing diverticulitis and reduces chances of suffering from haemorrhoids.

# Helps in Weight Control and Diabetes

Addition of fibre in diet helps in regulating blood sugar level as well. Soluble fibre content in food, gained through the rice flour, slows the process of digestion which reduces the sugar content in blood. More fibre in food also makes us feel fuller and reduces the appetite levels. This reduces our food intake which helps in controlling diabetes to good extent.