Whole Grains vs. Refined Grains. These are the refined grains. Which is best for you? It is a real difficulty in the health and food industry.
Wheat flour, also known as wheat grains, is a staple food of India. It is also widely distributed alongside other crops like maize, millets and barley. Indians use this flour to make bread, chapatis and rotis.Maida is a refined flour or grain, a more fine variety of flour. It was used to make pizza bases and brittle items such as samosas, batatas, and many more. This is just the surface.
About Whole Wheat Flour (Atta)
Whole wheat flour, also known as Atta, is more commonly known. It can also be called Chakki Atta, depending on how it’s made. To give it a light brown colour and coarse texture, it is made from the endosperm and bran of whole wheat grains. Indians stick to bread, chapatis and roti making them. They also make roti, paratha and poori, and several other baked/fried foods.
However, refined wheat flour is produced by tempering multiple layers of the grain. This adds moisture to the grain, making it easier to break down. This does not preserve the beneficial qualities of the grain and makes it less desirable than whole wheat flour. While refined flour and whole wheat flour have similar nutritional content, whole wheat flour has higher fibre content, making it more appealing.
About Refined Whole wheat Flour (Maida)
Maida, or refined whole-wheat flour, is smoother than whole wheat flour and Atta. Maida is an ingredient in many Indian delicacies. It makes them crisp and delicious! Although maida can make parathas or pooris, it is not the best for your long-term health.
Refined wheat flour is processed in a long process that involves the grain going through a mill. This causes the grain to lose its nutritional value. This is why most nutritionists and food specialists recommend whole wheat flour instead of refined wheat flour.
Benefits of Whole-Wheat Flour (Atta)
Below are some well-known benefits of whole wheat flour, which make it an excellent choice compared to refined flour:
- Whole wheat grains contain zinc, vitamin E, and B elements that protect hair from damage.
- Research shows that eating high-fibre foods can help reduce weight and decrease the chance of becoming obese. Whole wheat grains help reduce bad fats and aid in their distribution throughout the body.
- Atta is a good option for constipation. It contains fibre, which helps detoxify the body and maintains a healthy colon.
- Consuming whole wheat flour in your diet can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of developing chronic diseases.
- Whole grains are also good for your heart health. Research shows that eating three meals a day of whole grains or flour is beneficial for your heart health. To maintain a healthy heart, it is better to choose whole wheat flour than any other.
- Vitamin B found in whole wheat flour can help with PMS symptoms. Magnesium in whole wheat flour relieves PMS symptoms and anxiety. Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Calcium, and essential acids, are found in the germ portion of wheat grains. This helps to reduce PMS symptoms.
Benefits of Refined wheat flour (Maida)
Here are some benefits of refined wheat flour:
Although maida isn’t a great flour, it has some advantages that make it an excellent choice for whole wheat flour. Maida’s bleaching agent gives it a white appearance, making it toxic and unhealthy. Refined whole wheat flour and maida are not always good for you.
- Low fibre content can cause digestive problems. This can slow down metabolism and decrease overall energy.
- Refined flour is an offence for people with diabetes. Refined flour can trigger a rapid insulin response or inflammation that can lead to several life-threatening conditions.
- Maida overconsumption can cause many health problems, including obesity, heart disease, type-2 diabetes, constipation, and many other issues.
Although products made from Maida can be delicious, you must keep track of how much you eat to avoid any of these disadvantages.
Maida Flour or Refined Wheat Flour alternatives include Ragi Flour and Jowar Flour and Soy Flour, and Buckwheat Flour.
Conclusion: Whole Grains vs. Refined Grains
Let’s conclude the Whole Grains vs. Without a doubt, Whole Grains, Atta, or Whole Wheat Flour, is superior to Maida or Refined.
