Atta: Lores About Flours

Contributed by – Healthians Team

Simple yet full of taste and nutritional benefits, the humble chapatti is a staple to all Indian homes. Even the thought of meals without the familiar comfort of chapattis can seem incomplete. Whether it’s dal or gravy, our meals will not taste the same without the beloved companion; Chapatti.

Chappatis are made from flour or more famously known as ATTA. Since times immemorial Atta has been used as a major ingredient in preparation of various dishes. Although we regularly eat this amazing natural ingredient, how many of us really know about them. Are we aware of the different types of Atta available to us?

Each type carries different nutritional value and calorie content. Read to know about the types of Atta and various combos to gain maximum nutritional benefits.

Types Of Atta

Wheat Atta 

The most common of all the flours, wheat Atta is a must to almost all our meals. The wheat flour is a rich source of various nutrients like folic acid, vitamins, vitamin E, vitamin B6 and B complex and several minerals like magnesium, manganese, zinc.

Besan Or Gram Flour

Besan or gram flour is another common Atta that is part of every home, used as an ingredient in various recipes besan sure adds variety to the plate. Rich in iron, potassium, copper, zinc, phosphorous, folate and vitamin B6 , besan is really good for health. Along with the nutty flavour besan atta also protects from anaemia and several other diseases. It is good for skin.

Bajra Atta Or Pearl Millet

Bajra Atta also known as pearl millet is filled with nutrients like protein, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, fibre. It is also a rich source of vitamin E, B complex, niacin, thiamin and riboflavin. Bajra is really good for heart health and helps control the cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Soyabean Atta

Another really healthy Atta, it is rich in protein, thiamin, iron, folate, magnesium and dietary fibre. Soyabean atta is highly beneficial in tackling the side effects of menopause and reduces the risk of many health problems. Although due to rich protein content it is advised not to have soyabean atta in cases of high uric acid and thyroid problems.

Ragi Atta Or Finger Millet

Ragi also known as finger millet is a wonder grain that is a storehouse of calcium, iron, niacin, thiamin, amino acids. It helps with the frequent hunger pangs thus aids in weight loss and also helps repair muscle tissues, bones and skin.

Jowar Atta Or Sorghum

Jowar also known as sorghum has a lot of nutritional benefits. Rich in phosphorus, calcium, protein, fibre content helps regulate the blood flow which affects the overall functioning of body, helps with cell growth, hair growth. Jowar is gluten free atta and is preferred by a lot of people.

Oats Atta

Home to dietary fibre also called as beta glucen, oats atta is a powerhouse of several vitamins and minerals. It offers a long list of nutritional benefits like reduced sugar levels, reduced risk of heart diseases, helps with weight loss.

Bran Atta

Bran is rich in fibre content and really effective in improving the bad cholesterol levels. A very good source of various nutrients like dietary fibre, niacin, vitamin B6, iron, manganese, zinc, copper. It boosts the digestive process and really helpful incase of constipation.

You can always combine the above mentioned Atta as per your choice and the nutrient content. The following information on the calorie content of various Atta combos will help you choose wisely and add health on your plates.