Did you know that an adult Singaporean needs to consume at least 50g of wholegrains daily as recommended by the Health Promotion Board? While this might sound like a challenging feat, you will be glad to know that it is fairly easy to meet the goal. Simply aim to consume wholegrains instead of refined grains in your daily meals, such as opting for brown rice rather than white rice and choosing wholemeal bread over plain white bread.
But wholegrains do not have to be strictly consumed during mealtimes; they can be incorporated into bakes for indulgence during afternoon tea or after a meal too. If you are a baking enthusiast, using wholemeal flour instead of plain flour helps you to whip up equally delicious but healthier treats!
Before we delve deeper into the health benefits of using wholemeal flour when baking, here is what you need to know about wholegrains. Read on to find out more.
What exactly are wholegrains?
All grains first start out as wholegrains but only the bran, endosperm and germ are kept after milling for them to qualify as wholegrains. Some of these wholegrains can be eaten on their own like brown rice and oatmeal, while others are made into wholegrain products like buckwheat in noodles and wholegrain flour in bread.
In particular, wholemeal flour is made from whole, unprocessed wheat kernels, grains and seeds. By keeping the germ and bran intact, the flavour of wholemeal flour gets enhanced while the essential nutrients and fibre are retained.
On the other hand, refined white flour loses a host of important nutrients as the germ and bran get removed.
The health benefits of using wholemeal flour
Get your hands on wholemeal flour the next time you shop for baking ingredients to reap several health benefits that your body will thank you for in time to come.
1. Improves digestion
The high fibre content is one of the best reasons to switch out refined flour with wholemeal flour when baking, especially if you struggle with indigestion or constipation.
Loading up on fibre which is abundant in wholemeal flour helps to boost digestive health by feeding your gut “good” bacteria. Good gut health then keeps irregular bowel movements and indigestion at bay to prevent various problems like stomach pain, diarrhoea, bloating and constipation.
2. Helps you to feel full faster
Foods that are high in fibre provide volume to help you feel full faster and longer with fewer calories so that you avoid overeating. Hence, if you are on a diet or watching your weight, using wholegrain flour for baking is an alternative to indulging in treats minus the guilt.
Additionally, it has been found that certain types of fibre can help you to reduce your appetite which translates to a reduction in calorie intake as well for losing weight.
3.Lowers the risk of heart diseases
Whole grains do not just improve your digestive health, but can also reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and weight – some of the common factors that contribute to poor heart health. In fact, consuming more whole grains lowers one’s risk of heart disease by up to 30%! With a healthy heart, your risk of having a stroke will be largely reduced too.
Start taking charge of your life and health by incorporating more wholegrains into your diet or choosing recipes that use wholemeal flour when baking.
4. Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes
If you have diabetes or are watching your glucose levels, then choosing wholemeal flour over refined flour when baking is key. Wholegrain foods such as wholemeal bread have a lower glycaemic index (GI) which means a slower spike in your glucose levels, thanks to bran and fibre in wholegrains that take a longer time to digest. Additionally, wholegrains are rich in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that play a part in reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Opt for wholemeal bread recipes the next time you want to try your hands at baking loaves of bread!
Start your baking journey with wholemeal flour today
Prima Flour’s Superfine Wholegrain Flour and Wholegrain Flour are unbleached with no additives added to offer our customers baking ingredients of the highest quality. They are high in protein and fibre, perfect for those who are looking for a healthier alternative or are simply health conscious.
Prima Flour and Premixes are available at all major supermarkets, hypermarkets, and provision shops islandwide. Get in touch with us here for enquiries!
You may also choose to email us at sales.primaflour@prima.com.sg to reach us directly.
