From Whole Wheat to Millets: Healthy Flour Alternatives to Replace Maida in Your Diet

Maida, or white refined flour, is available in most Indian kitchens. But if you have a high intake of maida results in an increase of medical problems like weight gain, spiking blood sugar, and poor digestion. But various nutritious alternatives are just as versatile and better for you. Check out a few flours you can substitute maida with!

• Whole Wheat Flour

Enriched with fiber and nutrients, whole wheat flour serves as an alternative type. It may improve digestion and regulate energy. 

• Ragi (Finger Millet) Flour

Ragi contains several co-factors of calcium, iron, and fiber. Hence, it strengthens bones and aids diabetes control. It is great for rotis, dosas, and porridge.

• Oats flour 

This is packed with beta-glucan fiber, and oat flour is good for heart health and satiety. This is easy to use in cakes and as a thickener.

• Bajra (Pearl Millet) Flour

It is a magnesium-rich, gluten-free flour that helps manage cholesterol and blood pressure levels. You can prepare rotis and khichdi as it is best for it.

• Jowar Flour (Sorghum Flour)

Jowar is a gluten-free sort that has free radical-scavenging properties, thus contributing positively to digestion. Prepare rotis, pancakes, or thalipeeth from it.

• Besan Flour

Besan, prepared from chickpea, is used as a protein-rich flour for gluten-free preparations. It is used in chillas, pakoras, and gravies.

• Amaranth Flour

Amaranth, which is a superfood with high protein and lysine levels, makes a good alternative for anyone with gluten intolerance and helps with muscle building.

Substitution of maida with these healthy flours would bring benefits to one’s health and add some variety to the food. Introduce any new food gradually into the diet, and take advice from a nutritionist if dietary issues arise.