WHEAT: THE WHOLE STORY
Refined wheat lacks vital nutrients.
Here’s why whole wheat is best
MOST OF us use refined wheat in our
cooking. That is wheat without its outer covering. This outer covering, known
as wheat bran, is packed with vitamins B1, B2 and B3, vitamin E, iron, folic
acid, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, copper and functional fibre. Without it, our
atta is not as healthy as it could be. If you are serious about your health,
you should consider whole wheat. Some of its benefits are:
MORE NUTRITIOUS
Since the wheat bran has not been
removed and all the nutrients are intact, whole wheat is highly recommended for
sportspersons, growing children, mothers-to-be and everyone seeking a healthy
diet.
RECOMMENDED FOR DIABETICS
The glycemic index of whole wheat
flour controls blood sugar better than that of white flour. This is because the
wheat bran converts food into blood sugar slowly, making it easier to manage
the body’s natural insulin hormone mechanism.
USEFUL FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Wheat flour has a high glycemic
index, which is known to aid weight loss. White flour has a low glycemic index.
FIGHTS CONSTIPATION
Whole wheat is an excellent source
of fibre, which regulates bowel movements. The fibre content of the food you
eat should be high, so it can absorb water and provide bulk.
Probiotic bacteria need fibre to regulate
the gut’s alkaline balance. Once fibre enters the gut, the friendly bacteria
break it down to release its healthy components. In the absence of fibre, these
bacteria slowly decrease in number because the gut environment becomes too
acidic for their survival. Fibre also ensures lower incidences of cancer.
SUPPORTS LIVER FUNCTION
The liver is responsible for the
digestive and absorptive processes of the body. A healthy liver needs a gut
that moves well and is free of toxic build-ups. The bran portion of whole wheat
ensures that toxins are cleared efficiently.
ENABLES GOOD SKIN
A healthy intestine and liver
results in clearer skin. According to ayurveda, blemished or acne-prone
complexions are a result of ‘ama’ (toxins) in the liver.
- SHIKHA SHARMA HTBR22MAR15
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