Is Maida Really Bad for Your Health? The Truth About Refined Flour

Maida or refined white flour is a key staple in many kitchens and is extensively used in everyday cooking. It is a common ingredient used in several food we consume regularly, including bread, pastries, pasta, and other baked and processed food items.

However, maida lacks the necessary nutrients and may pose harmful effects on the health. It is a finely milled, bleached wheat flour that lacks fibre, vitamins, and minerals. It contains mostly starch that offers a smooth texture but lacks nutritional value. Today we will explore why the food may not be an ideal choice of your diet:

How Does Maida Affect Your Health?

Lacks Nutrients

As the food is excessively processed, it is often stripped of most of the natural nutrients such as iron, fibre, and other crucial vitamins. However, foods prepared using maida may offer instant energy (calories) but lacks nourishment which may lead to deficiencies over a long period of time.

Increases Blood Sugar Levels

It has high glycemic index (GI) which implies the food will get digested fast that may cause a sharp jump in blood sugar levels. It may pose harm for people suffering from diabetes or who are prediabetic as the food enhances risk of insulin resistance.

Weight Gain

Foods prepared using maida such as cakes, white bread, pastas contain high calorie content but may not be satiating. As maida lacks fibre, it may not be able to keep you full for long duration thus leading to unnecessary snacking and consequently weight gain.

Causes Indigestion

Fibre plays a key role in maintaining healthy digestion but maida contains very little amount of it. Eating excessive maid may lead to bloating, constipation, and digestion woes in the longer run. It is precisely manufactured from the starch part of wheat that gets stripped of its bran (fibre) and germ (nutrients). The refined product offers least nutrition value.

Poses Heart Disease Risk

Excessive consumption of maida is associated to increased levels of bad cholesterol or LDL and triglycerides thus increasing the risk of heart ailments.

Causes Inflammation

Processed foods such as maida may cause inflammation which is associated to chronic diseases like obesity, arthritis, and some form of cancers too.

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.