What are the types of flour and how they beneficial for health | The Times of India (2024)

If there’s one thing in our meal that makes us feel satiated and happy with it’s taste and texture, then it has to be that perfectly cooked bread. No matter what you eat, every meal is incomplete without this one delicacy. Right from fluffy brown bread to sourdough bread to Indian flatbreads, every cuisine has a unique bread, which is paired with main course or sides.

And the ingredient that goes into making bread is flour. While different kinds of flours are used in making breads, there is often a question as which is the healthiest one? There may not be a definite answer to it, but here is a detailed description of the types of flours and their benefits.

As the name suggests Rice flour is extracted from grinding rice grains and is also known as ground rice flour. Typically a staple of South India, this flour is commonly used to make several dishes. In fact, it is one of the most essential ingredients in the baby food and cereals. It is one of the most easily digestible flours. Rice flour is loaded with Fibers, Proteins, Carbohydrates, minerals like Magnesium, Copper, Thiamin etc. Its nutritional component makes it a great source of nutrition. However, the best thing about this flour is that it is gluten free. This amazing flour is used to make dry fritters, snacks, cookies etc.

If you are looking for a gluten-free flour, which is high in fiber, then this healthy oats flour is perfect for you! Oats flour is a great source of nutrition as it is loaded with vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B6, E, K, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper to name a few.

It is a great source of high-fiber, which makes ideal for diabetics, weight watchers and heart patients. According to studies, oats flour helps in lowering down LDL or bad cholesterol. This flour is for making breads, cookies and snacks.

If you are looking for a healthy flour, which is great for your physical as well as mental well being, then Ragi flour is a perfect healthy choice. Ragi flour is a great source of nutrition, which is loaded with Calcium, Iron, Magnesium,Carbohydrates, Potassium and Zinc. This flour is good for people suffering from diabetes. It is mostly used in making Roti, Chila, cookies, biscuits. This flour is often mixed with whole wheat flour to accentuate the taste and health quotient of the rotis.

A common ingredient in every Indian household, our meals are simply incomplete without this amazing flour. Also known as Atta in Hindi, this flour is extracted from the durum wheat, which is processed and refined as it has a high amount of gluten. Apart from that, atta has a high amount of bran. Traditionally, this wheat was extracted and refined using a stone grinder called chakki. This flour is used in making roti and parathas. It is a healthy flour that has carbohydrates, proteins and fibers. Apart from this, wheat flour has several minerals like Selenium, Manganese, Folate, Copper and Phosphorus.

Maize flour is also known as Makai Ka Atta or Corn Meal. Extracted from corn, this nutrient rich flour is a rich source of healthy Carbohydrates, Fibers, Proteins, Fats and minerals like Magnesium and Phosphorus. Its rich fiber content makes this flour a great food for diabetics and the presence of insoluble fiber help in effective weight management. Traditionally, it is used to prepare rotis, parathas and chila.

Another most commonly used flour for cooking in Indian households is Gram flour also known as besan. Made with dried chickpeas, this flour has a slight nutty taste and texture. High in Proteins, this flour is loaded with the Iron, Folate, Themaine, Magnesium to name a few. Right from sweets to curries to pakoras dipped in a batter of gram flour, this magical flour is perfect for making fritters, rotis and parathas.

Sorghum flour is also known as Jowar flour or white millet flour. The nutty taste of this flour gives your delicacies a perfect taste. Enriched with the goodness of vitamin B12, Thiamine, Vitamin A, Zinc, iron and folate. What’s more, jowar flour is a great source of fiber, which makes it good for diabetics and helps in improving digestion and relieves constipation. What’s more, this flour is gluten free, which makes it a great alternative for someone who is suffering from gluten intolerance.

One of the most widely used flours across the world, all purpose flour is undeniably an universal favourite. All purpose flour is used in several ways. Right from cakes to white bread to pasta sauce, this wonder flour has a light texture and gives an amazing taste, when you cook or bake it. Moreover, this white flour has about 10% Protein content and is enriched with minerals like Iron, Thiamin, Niacin and Folic acid. The reason the flour is not considered to be healthy is because of its high amount of gluten, which sticks to the intestinal walls and makes it difficult for digestion.

Another mostly widely used ingredient in Indian households, Semolina flour is extracted from durum wheat flour. Used for pasta, couscous, gnocchi and puddings. High in gluten, semolina flour is loaded with nutrients such as Iron, Folate, Magnesium, Carbs, Proteins and healthy Fibers. Semolina flour is great for heart health as it reduces the risk of heart diseases, helps in managing blood sugar, weight management and digestion.