Health Benefits of Different Types Of Flours

Today, we have variety of flours, people consume different types of flours every day. As people have become more aware about their health, they consume everything that is best for their health. Flour is one of the most important ingredients in our kitchen. Thus, it is essential to choose the best and healthy type of flour for everyday consumption. Health Benefits of Different Types Of Flours

So, which flour should you eat? Wheat, Ragi, Almond, Jowar, Barley, Oats? Plenty of them, right? This leads more confusion on which flour is the healthiest. It depends on individual and their health factor to choose the flour. If you want to go for a gluten-free diet, you should totally avoid wheat, semolina, jowar, etc. and opt for oats and almond flour.

What Are Different Types of Flours?

Let’s check out the variety of flours that’s good for your health.

1. Whole Wheat flour

Our meals would be incomplete without this amazing flour, a staple in every Indian home. This flour is made from durum wheat, which is refined and treated since it contains a lot of gluten and is also known as atta in Hindi. Aside from that, atta has a lot of bran. This wheat was traditionally extracted and refined using a stone grinder called a chakki. This flour is made by grinding whole wheat kernels, which means it contains all parts of the wheat grain, including the bran, germ, and endosperm. It is rich in fiber, Vitamin B, and minerals such as iron and zinc. Whole wheat flour can be used in a variety of baked goods, including bread, muffins, and pancakes.

2. Rice Flour

Rice flour is rich in nutrients. As per the name, rice flour is extracted from the grinding of the rice grains. Rice flour is also considered an essential ingredient for baby food and cereals. In nutritional terms, rice flour contains proteins, fibres, carbohydrates, and essential minerals like Magnesium, copper, and others. It is easily digested, and its nutritional component also makes it great for health. The best thing to know about this flour is that it is gluten-free and extremely helpful for good health.

3. Gram Flour or Besan

Gram flour is rich in protein as it is made from dried chickpeas. Gram flour, or besan is another flour in Indian households. The best thing about gram flour is its nutty taste and texture which gives your meal a rich flavour. Besides its taste, gram flour is high in protein and consists of essential minerals like iron, potassium, zinc, copper, and others. It is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine for dishes like falafel and socca.

4. Oats flour

Oats flour is high-fibre flour and free from gluten. Oats flour is a great source of vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin B6, E, K, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc, and Copper. It is an excellent source of high fibre, making it perfect for people with diabetes, who are watching their weight, and who have heart conditions. A few studies suggest that oat flour reduces LDL cholesterol, sometimes known as bad cholesterol. Oats flour has been linked to improved heart health, lower cholesterol levels, and better blood sugar control.

5. Jowar Flour

White millet or Sorghum flour, often known as jowar flour is rich in vitamins and minerals such as folate, thiamine, vitamin A, zinc, and B12. Jowar flour is a great source of fibre and good for diabetics. It aids in better digestion and constipation relief. Furthermore, this flour is gluten-free, which makes it a fantastic substitute for someone who has gluten intolerance.

6. Ragi Flour

Are you looking for healthy flour for your mental and physical wellness? Well, Ragi flour is one of the most effective and beneficial for mental well-being. Ragi flour is an excellent source of nutrition that contains high minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium, along with proteins and carbohydrates. Ragi flour is also suitable for those who are suffering from diabetes.

7. Maize Flour

You must have heard about maize flour. Maize flour is highly loaded with nutrients, also called Makai Ka Atta. Maize flour is extracted from corn. If you talk about the nutritional component of maize flour, it includes a rich source of carbohydrates, fibre, protein, fat, and minerals. It also consists of rich fibre and phosphorus, and gets easily digested.

8. Almond Flour

This flour is made from ground almonds and is gluten-free. It is rich in healthy fats, protein, and fibre, which makes it an excellent choice for people on a low-carb or ketogenic diet. It has been linked to improved heart health, lower cholesterol levels, and better blood sugar control.

9.Buckwheat Flour

This flour is made from buckwheat seeds and is gluten-free. It is high in fibre, protein, and antioxidants, and has been linked to improved heart health, lower cholesterol levels, and better blood sugar control. Overall, incorporating different types of flour into your diet can provide a variety of health benefits. However, it's important to keep in mind that each type of flour has its own unique properties, and some may be more suitable for certain dietary needs than others.