Introduction
In most Indian households, wheat flour is the most common flour used every household throughout the year, irrespective of the season. However, there are some grains that when added to your diet during the cold seasons of the year could work wonders for your health. And, these grains, when used in flour form, can offer various health benefits. With the help of these flours, you can prepare many different varieties of delicious chapatis that will not only provide a warming effect, but also improve your gut health, and your immunity.
This blog is dedicated to the exploration of winter flours you should include in your diet for your immunity and overall health, especially during winter.
6 healthy flours to have during winter:
One of the best ways to fight most common winter ailments is by consuming seasonal grains and millets. Seasonal produce contains nutrients and properties that the body requires to combat seasonal changes and weather-related effects.
Makki Flour
Makki, which is high in iron, is a wonder grain and one of the healthiest varieties that one can enjoy during winter. Alternatively known as cornmeal, this variety has a yellow-coloured dough and coarse texture. On the nutrition front, this winter essential is an amazing source of vitamin A, C, K, beta-carotene, and selenium. Often enjoyed with mustard greens (sarson ka saag), this flour helps strengthen immunity and plays a significant role in preventing digestive ailments.
Millet flour
This is another winter vital flour that is considered to be extremely healthy. It is especially beneficial in the winter because its effect is warming. It is wonderfully packed with nutrients and properties that the body needs to battle the change in season. Millet flour is high in protein, millet is also high in manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and essential amino acids. This flour is especially useful for people who feel very cold, have joint or back pain. Being rich in dietary fibre, this flour is easy to digest.
It can be used to make rotis, parathas, and pooris.
Ragi flour
This flour is a storehouse of various nutrients like calcium, protein, potassium, iron, and fibre. Ragi has a coarse texture and a spicy flavour. It has a heating potency, and is therefore typically consumed during chilly months to withstand the weather’s adverse effects. It has a coarse texture and a brown colour, and is an excellent wheat flour substitute. Although losing weight in the winter is difficult, the coarse grain of this flour is thought to aid in weight loss. It is also thought to be extremely beneficial for diabetic patients. It is high in calcium and easily digested, making it an excellent choice for people who have gastrointestinal issues.
Bajra flour
Bajra flour is one of the healthiest winter options and most recommended flour to have during winters. With omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, fibre, and iron, bajra flour is your key to better winter health. Furthermore, people who are gluten intolerant can use bajra flour because it is gluten-free. To reap the health benefits, use this flour to make daliya, chapatis, uttapam, and khichdi.
Jowar flour
Jowar flour works to warm the body in addition to enhancing immunity. It is extremely beneficial for people suffering from asthma, diabetes, and other ailments. It is loaded with protein, vitamin B, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and iron. Because this flour is gluten-free, gluten-intolerant people can enjoy jowar roti. Jowar is an excellent choice for removing free radicals, improving digestion, and controlling blood sugar levels. Jowar is also good for your heart, and you can make rotis, khakhras, pooris, pancakes, upma, or porridge to reap the benefits.
Kangni flour
Also known as foxtail millet flour, this flour is very useful during the winter months. Kangni flour is high in fibre and vitamin B12. Having kangni is good for your nervous system and heart health. People who are suffering from hair loss should incorporate kangni flour in their diet because it is said to prevent hair loss. To reap the health benefits, use this flour to make rotis, pulao, porridge, and khichdi.
Final thoughts
This winter, consider including bajra, jowar, and makki to arrive at lip-smacking preparations. During the winter, it is critical to include foods that will warm your body from within and aid in calorie burning. It is recommended that you should try mixing two to three flours together, along with regular wheat flour, in order to reap the benefits of each type of flour.
