Lifestyle

7 healthy alternatives to refined flour

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From bread to cakes, we use humble refined flour, aka all-purpose flour, in every way possible to bake or cook delicious recipes.


But the reality is that it is unhealthy in general! Hence, we all need easy and readily available alternatives that can give similar results but have higher nutritional values. Well, your search ends here, as we have listed 7 healthy alternatives to refined flour that can be used at home.

1. Spelt flour

It is milled from spelt berries, which are an ancient variety of wheat and are rich in fiber. As per experts, it is milder and lighter than other whole wheat flours, which makes it popular in whole grain baking.

2. Rye flour

It is made from rye berries, which have a similar appearance to wheat berries and are a rich source of fiber, as well as minerals like manganese, copper, and phosphorus. According to research, rye is high in phytonutrients1, which help fight disease and protect the body from the stress of aging.

3. Ragi flour

This flour is packed with iron, protein, calcium, antioxidants, and dietary fiber among others and is considered a healthy alternative to maida. It is also gluten-free and light in digestion, which makes it good for diabetics and gluten-intolerant people.

​4. Jowar flour

It is also a healthy alternative and tastes best when mixed with whole wheat flour. It is rich in calcium, fibre, iron, phosphorous, protein, antioxidants, and other essential vitamins.

5. ​Bajra flour

In the north, it is considered a healthy alternative to maida, which is readily available and packed with amino acids, carbs, calcium, phosphorus, and antioxidants. It is helpful in regulating blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and it promotes a healthy heart.

​6. Buckwheat flour

It is often associated with fasting flour, is full of nutrients, and is gluten-free too. It is rich in manganese, magnesium, and copper and is a good source of B vitamins.

​7. Soy flour

It is rich in vitamins, protein, calcium, manganese, iron, folate, and zinc, among others, and is effective for those who are on a weight loss diet.