Did you know a Singaporean adult needs to consume a minimum of 50g of whole grains every day, as recommended by the Health Promotion Board? It may seem like a difficult task, but it’s actually quite simple. You can easily achieve this goal by choosing to eat whole grains instead of refined ones in your meals. For example, choose brown rice over white rice or wholemeal bread rather than plain white bread. Whole grains don’t have to be consumed only at mealtimes. They can also be baked into treats for afternoon tea or even after a meal. You can make healthier and equally delicious treats by using wholemeal instead of plain. Here’s what you should know about whole grains before we get into the health benefits that wholemeal flour can bring to your baking. Continue reading to learn more. What are whole grains exactly? All grains start as whole grains, but after milling, only the endosperm, germ, and bran are retained for them to qualify. Some whole grains, like oatmeal and brown rice, are eaten as they are. Others can be made into products such as buckwheat flour for bread and wholegrain noodles. Wholemeal flour, in particular, is made of whole grains, seeds, and kernels of wheat that have not been processed. The flavor of wholemeal is enhanced by keeping the germs and bran intact while essential nutrients and fiber are still retained. Refined white flour, on the other hand, loses many important nutrients when the embryo and the bran are removed. Health benefits of wholemeal wheat flour Wholemeal wheat flour has many health benefits. Your body will be grateful for it in the future. 1. Improvement in digestion: Wholemeal flour is a great alternative to refined flour, especially for those who suffer from indigestion and constipation. Feeding your gut with “good” bacteria, fiber found in wholemeal wheat flour, can boost digestion. A healthy heart will keep indigestion and irregular bowel movements at bay and prevent other problems such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation. 2. You will feel fuller faster. Foods high in fiber have more volume, which helps you feel satisfied faster and for longer. They also contain fewer calories. If you’re on a weight-loss program or are watching your diet, wholegrain flour is a great alternative to eating treats without guilt. Certain types of fiber can also help reduce your appetite, which means you will consume fewer calories and lose weight. 3. Decreases the risk of heart disease. Whole grains not only improve digestive health but also blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight, which are all factors that can contribute to poor health. Consuming more whole grains can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 30%. A healthy heart will also reduce your stroke risk. Take control of your health and life by adding more whole grains to your diet. 4. Wholemeal flour is better than refined flour if you have diabetes or are watching your blood glucose levels. Wholegrain foods, such as wholemeal flour, have a lower glycaemic (GI) index. This means that your glucose levels will rise more slowly. Wholegrains also contain vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, which can help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Next time you bake bread, try using wholemeal recipes! Begin your baking journey today with wholemeal.
Prima Flour’s Wholegrain Flour and Superfine Wholegrain Flour are both unbleached, with no added additives. This ensures that our customers receive the best quality baking ingredients. These flours are rich in fiber and protein, making them a healthy alternative for anyone looking to make a change or who is simply health-conscious. Prima Flour and Premixes can be found in all supermarkets, hypermarkets, and provision shops on the island.
