Disadvantages of Maida (Refined Flour) and Its Healthy Replacements

Food and Drinks September 14, 2024

Maida is used extensively in many food dishes in India abroad and is a principal ingredient in most of such dishes.

Some of the most famous dishes made from Maida include Kunukku, Shankarpali, Maida Dosa, biscuits, Kulcha, Samosa, Kachori, Vada Pav, Pizza Base, Bread, Cake, Mathari, Naan, Bhatura, Momos, Spring roll.

There are many more items made from Maida apart from those mentioned above.

What Happens if We Eat Maida Daily?

All the food items made from Maida are bad for our health. Even after knowing the fact that Maida is unhealthy, it is used in many junk food items. The question arises, “Does eating Maida have any benefits?” & “What happens if we eat Maida daily?”

All refined products, for example, Refined Flour (Maida), have the property to take nutrients from our body to fulfill their absorption. Maida doesn’t have any nutritional value & has plenty of calories. Therefore if we eat Maida daily, it slows down metabolism, stops burning of fats & instead starts storing it.

Further disadvantages of eating Maida are:

1. Increase in Blood Sugar Level

All food items made with Maida have a high GI (Glycemic Index) that releases plenty of sugar in your body, which goes directly into the bloodstream, thereby increasing blood sugar Levels.

2. Keeps You Hungry/Increases craving

There are varieties of dishes made from Maida, especially junk food. These food items increase the desire to have more food, make you feel hungry & result in the consumption of a large number of calories thereby increasing your weight.

3. Bad Cholesterol

Consumption of Maida increases bad cholesterol that in the long run can lead to cardiovascular diseases.

4. Increases Body Weight

Nutritionists recommend avoiding Maida (refined flour) for weight loss. Maida slows down the metabolism & stores fat that result in gaining body weight.

5. Hard to Digest

Maida is hard to digest & sticks to your intestine like glue. It can attract many diseases related to your stomach and intestine.

6. Make your Bones Weak

When you consume Maida in excess, it reduces bone density. Also, Maida is acidic & therefore, it can cause inflammation & arthritis.

Does eating Maida have any benefits?

No, eating Maida doesn’t have any benefits! Maida is only used to add crispiness to the dishes & to make them tasty.

Alternatives of Refined Flour (Maida)

Many other alternatives can be used in place of Maida that are healthier and offer high nutritional value. These include:

Soy flour

Soy flour is rich in protein, vitamins (D, B, K), manganese, calcium, folate, iron, and zinc & hence can be one of the best alternatives for replacing Maida.

Ragi flour

Ragi is gluten-free & is a good source of iron, protein, antioxidants, calcium, carbohydrates & dietary fiber. It is superior for diabetic patients & facilitates weight loss.

Bajra flour

Bajra flour is a source of fiber & is gluten-free. It contains carbohydrates, amino acids, phosphorus, calcium, and antioxidants & promotes heart health, blood pressure, and blood sugar level.