What do all junk (read: tasty) foods like pizzas, burgers, pasta, and momos have in common? It is one pantry ingredient that is used extensively in kitchens - it is maida! Also known as white or all-purpose flour, maida is found to be the base ingredient for many ultra-processed foods which result in various health issues. However, it is high in gluten which makes it a perfect ingredient for making mouth-watering dishes like cakes, breads, and naans. One of the most popular myths that is attached to this ingredient is that, when consumed, maida gets stuck to our guts.
Also Read: Noodles Lovers, Try These Healthy Alternatives To Maida Noodles
To clarify this myth, renowned nutritionist Amita Gadre shared a video on her Instagram handle and explained what happens to our bodies when we eat maida.
Watch the full video below:
Does Maida Stick to Our Gut?
In a video shared by Nutritionist Amita Gadre, she explained what happens to our bodies, especially the gut, when we consume maida or all-purpose flour. She reveals that, unlike the popular belief, maida does not stick to our gut. Explaining her stance, nutritionist Gadre said that this is because we do not consume maida in flour form but cook it in the form of puri. Moreover, the maida-based food we consume is chewed and transferred to our digestive system which has enzymes. So, nutritionist Gadre said that there is no scope for maida sticking to our gut.
However, nutritionist Gadre points out that maida is low in fibre and high consumption of it could lead to constipation. In fact, diabetics should also avoid eating maida too frequently since it could spike the sugar levels in their bodies.
Instagram Users Asked Questions to Nutritionist Amita Gadre
Several Instagram users asked questions in the comments section of nutritionist Amita Gadre.
One of the users asked, "Then why is it when we stop eating maida or sugar we start losing weight or fat loss occurs?"
On this, Gadre responded, "Because you drop your total calorie intake. Most maida products are also high in fat and sugar."
Another user thanked nutritionist Gadre for sharing the information and added that they always add veggies to their maida preparations. However, Gadre responded, "That still doesn't make maida healthy. It just doesn't stick to the gut."
A third user pointed out that maida has no fibre at all. Nutritionist Gadre corrected her and said, "1-2 grams fibre."
Momos are made with maida and minced chicken or veggies.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Maida Recipes to Try This Week
Since Nutritionist Amita Gadre said that you can occasionally consume maida, here are some easy maida recipes that you can try this week.
1. Luchi
A favourite among Bengalis, Luchi is a crispier version of puri but the only difference is that it is made with maida. Though this flatbread is made especially during Durga Puja, you can make it at any time of the week. Pair it with kosha mangsho and you are good to go! Find the full recipe here.
2. Momos
The most loved street food of India, momos are soft and juicy dumplings made with an outer layer of maida, and stuffed with a variety of ground meat or veggies. The momos are then steamed, fried, or grilled. Pair it with a hot chutney and you are good to go! Find the full recipe here.
3. Samosa
Crispy and spicy, samosa is a delicious tea-time snack that is made with maida. Spicy potato filling when combined with the flavors of seasoned maida dough, makes it a combination that is hard to resist. Find the full recipe here.
4. Pancakes
Fluffy and wholesome, pancakes can be both sweet and savory and can be enjoyed for breakfast. You can experiment with endless flavours and also add healthy ingredients like oats, quinoa, flaxseeds, etc. Find the full recipe here.
Also Read: Weight Loss: Replace Your Maida Naan With These Fibre-Rich Jowar Rotis To Shed Kilos