Rice flour is a staple food in Southeast Asia, Japan and southern India according to "The New York Times." During the milling process, grinding flour is one way to make use of any damaged or broken grains. Production of this flour may include both white or brown rice -- each works well for commercial products or home baking. While various types of rice flour are popular internationally, Comet Rice, a company that specializes in rice products, lists long-grain rice flour as the biggest seller in the United States.

Gluten-Free

Gluten is a protein found is grain products such as wheat and rye, and its avoidance is an essential part of managing celiac disease. Celiac disease is a digestive condition that triggers an immune system response to gluten. Research regarding the effect of gluten for those diagnosed with autism is inconsistent; however, some parents have eliminated gluten from the diets of their autistic children as a precaution. Rice flour is a suitable and healthy replacement for wheat flour if you must maintain a gluten-free diet.

Health benefits

Did you know that rice flour is full of health benefits? That is right, it is high in protein and vitamins (note that flour from brown rice contains a higher level of B vitamins). The primary difference between brown and white rice is the husk. During milling, the removal of the husk produces white rice. However, the husk of brown rice is left intact, making it more nutritious and a good selection when considering fiber, vitamins and nutrients such as calcium and zinc.

The best thing about rice flour is that it is easily available and is inexpensive. It has all the qualities of wheat flour that we are so used to. It binds well, tastes good and is so easy to use. In terms of nutritional content, rice flour isn't very short of wheat flour. It is just slightly higher in calorie content.

Between both brown rice and white rice flour, I prefer to use brown rice flour and mill the flour in my exclusively 100% gluten free kitchen. Remember milling the flour is a process that should be done in an exclusive facility otherwise it will be full of cross contamination.

High in Fibre

Prevents colon cancer

Prevents weight gain

Reduces the risk of developing metabolic syndrome

Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Lowers bad cholesterol

Slows down the production of plaque in the arteries

Protects against heart disease

Contains many antioxidants

Fights the growth production of cancer cells

Contains lectin which has anticancer properties

Reduces the risk of Childhood Asthma

Promotes Bone Health

Contains manganese and magnesium which are essential for bone health

Excellent Source of Selenium

Selenium is essential to good health. It improves the immune system against bacterial and viral infections, against cancer cells and herpes virus, cold sores, and shingles. Not only it benefits the skin when healing, it helps prevent cellular damage and aids in the regulation of thyroid hormones.

Contains B Vitamins

The B complex group plays various roles in the body's ability to produce energy. It boosts the metabolism, helps maintain healty skin, hair and muscle tone, enhance immune and nervous system function and reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer.