New Delhi: Maida, known for its soft texture and appealing look, has become an almost indispensable part of our daily diet. From biscuits and samosas to bhaturas and pizzas, maida is everywhere. But are you aware of how harmful this ‘white flour’ can be for your digestive system? Experts and Ayurveda doctors refer to it as a ‘silent crisis’.
During the process of making maida from wheat, the outer layer and germ are removed, which contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. What remains is mainly starch — essentially empty calories. Ayurveda describes this as ‘lifeless food’. Without fiber, maida behaves like a machine running without grease, causing blockage and digestive trouble.
When mixed with water, maida becomes sticky, forcing our intestines to work harder to push it along. The villi — tiny hair-like structures in the small intestine responsible for nutrient absorption — also fail to function properly due to this stickiness. As a result, not only maida but also the nutrients eaten alongside it are not absorbed effectively.
Moreover, to make maida glossy white, it is bleached, producing a chemical called ‘eloxan’, which is harmful to health and unknowingly consumed by many. Maida is acidic, and excessive intake can cause the body to draw calcium from bones, potentially weakening them.
Its high glycemic index causes sudden spikes in blood sugar, leading to issues like insulin resistance.
However, Ayurveda does not suggest completely avoiding maida. It recommends simple remedies such as drinking lukewarm water and taking triphala after consuming maida to cleanse the intestines. Eating ajwain (carom seeds) and black salt can aid digestion.
It is advisable to replace maida with healthier alternatives like multigrain flour, barley, or ragi whenever possible.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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