Finding Flour That Helps Health
By Brandi Goodman
Not all flours are created equally. The most common type is all-purpose flour that's been enriched and bleached to achieve a white hue. It offers little to no fiber content and can actually slow down your digestion. You need to find flour that helps your health instead and is actually beneficial.
Whole Wheat Flour
Don't just look for wheat on the label. You should find a whole wheat flour for some of the best benefits. It retains all of the essential nutrients and components, such as the germ, endosperm, and bran. The appearance will be light brown and not white because it has not been bleached and processed. It is rich in B vitamins, folate, and iron.
Spelt Flour
Spelt flour provides more protein than wheat. It also tends to be lower in calories. If you're looking for a healthy flour solution, then give this type a try. Also known as hulled wheat, this version contains lots of fiber, manganese, Vitamin B3, and zinc.
Coconut Flour
If you need a gluten-free option, coconut flour may fit the bill. It's low in carbs yet high in fiber. Coconut offers a natural sweetness; you won't need added sugars that are often required with other flour versions when baking. You will need more liquid in your recipe, however.
Brown Rice Flour
A nutty flavor is achieved in your bread when you combine brown rice flour with an option such as buckwheat. Go with this if you want a gluten-free recipe. It's a great option for thickening up soups. It can help lower your blood sugar levels due to its high fiber and protein content.
Almond Flour
Yet another option is almond flour. It usually gets made with blanched almonds that have had the skin removed. You'll get a nutty flavor with this option. You'll also get its many nutrients, such as iron, potassium, Vitamin E, and copper. Just be aware that this type of flour can be higher in calories, meaning you'll need to watch your intake.
March marks National Flour Month, making it the perfect time to find a flour that helps your health. You don't have to stick with a basic bag of all-purpose flour bought from the grocery store. Check a health food store instead that offers more nutritional flour types that are beneficial for your body. You can use healthier flour for all your baking needs.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Gilbert, Ariz.