We all love our feed because refined flour is a kind of staple that we get to see in many of our favourite dishes. Maida is widely present in cakes, pastries to breads and snacks. But several of such food items are unhealthy as they contain no trace of nutrients. The good news is that you can still enjoy all the flavours with a fibre-loaded alternative to upgrade your diet. But how about cutting down your maida and getting healthier, by simple swapping.
Why Should You Avoid Maida
All-purpose flour is also known as "maida", which is comparably more refined and not so good for health. Nutritional waste land: When processing grains to remove their hard outer casings, we strip them of their fibre and all the vitamins and minerals that make them good for us. Here are a few reasons why you need to cut down on maida:
- Â Â Â Â They are not healthy: Maida is a refined grain and it does nothing to improve your health as whole grains such as wheat varinths, bajra, ragi etc so maida offers only calories and no nutrients.
- Â Â Â Â Helps in Losing Weight: Maida has high glycemic index, so consuming maida is not safe good you might gain weight and it will also enhance the chances of diabetes
-     Digestive Issues — Maida does not contain fibre and can lead to constipation, Thinning of Gut Wall.
Simple Swaps to Replace Maida
If you are going to say no to Maida then below are a few quick, everyday meal swaps that can help in transforming your meal healthily and high fiberful:
Maida made you fat, use wheat flour instead!
For most of the recipes, whole wheat flour can be used instead of maida. However, it keeps in the fiber, vitamins and minerals which are filtered out when making refined flour, aiding digestion and providing your body with long lasting energy. Can be used to bake breads, chapatis or any dessert including cakes and cookies.
Almond Flour for Baking
Rich in protein and healthy fat, Almond flour is a perfect Gluten-Free & Fiber Rich option instead of maida. This lends a distinct taste and consistency to any baked item, ie the biscuits and muffins.
Oat Flour for Breakfasts
Fibre-rich oats are a great way to power up the day with essential nutrients. Oat flour: Replace maida with oat flour in pancakes, waffles or even smoothies for a heart-healthy, filling alternative to breakfast items.
We use millet flour for our traditional recipes
It is an ancient grain containing a good amount of dietary fibre and other nutrients. Add millets in your regular meal Thou can use millet flour in traditional recipes like flatbread (roti), you may also use it as a base for porridge and get a healthy alternative to serve on the day to day meals.
Delicious Desserts Using Coconut Flour
It is an awesome alternative to maida and it is high in gluten-free, and fibre as well which makes them best compared to other Ingredients like Coconut flour (for desserts ) . It gives a little sweetness, and is low carb — perfect for diabetics.
The advantages of fibre-rich diet
When you make the move from maida to a fibre-rich alternative then your digestion is not only improved. Health Benefits of High-Fibre Diets
- Â Â Â Â Taking Care of Gut Health: Fibre makes sure that the bowel movements are healthy, and also lowers the risks of constipation.
- Â Â Â Â Weight Management: Foods that are high-in-fibre will fill you up more and can slow down release of nutrients, they contribute to weight management.
- Â Â Â Â Controls Blood Sugar Levels: The sugars present in the food enters the bloodstream at a slower rate when fibre is consumed, due to which blood sugar levels are maintained and risk-free of diabetes are reduced.
- Â Â Â Â Good for the Heart: High fibre decreases cholesterol level that constitutes for a healthy heart and reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Switching to a diet rich in fibre does not have to be a daunting task. So, here are a few suggestions on how you can start incorporating these healthier alternatives into your meals:
- Â Â Â Â Pro Tip: If you are starting out, start replacing whole wheat, oats and other healthier flours with maida by mixing them in small quantities in your regular recipes.
- Â Â Â Â Cook Everything: Test out new recipes in which you make use of ingredient-based flours (almond or coconut flour)
- Â Â Â Â Snack with care: Instead of maida-based snacks like biscuits, enjoy fibrous snacks such as Elaichi whole wheat rusks, oat cookies, which help in weight loss and cholesterol reduction.
Final Verdict : A Fatless You with Nutrisum
By eating less maida and more high-fibre foods you are becoming healthier by adopting these changes. Include whole grains, nuts, and seeds to get the fibre necessary for a satisfying hunger-curbing meal keeping you energised. Nutrisum offers you a variety of healthy products and having them in your glove compartment will provide you with Elaichi Rusk to feast on while you drive, and some yummy peekay biscuits which help digestion. Switch over now and start feeding your body a healthier diet!