Wheat flour is a staple food of Indians. However, it is the world’s most consumed cereal grain. Wheat originates from Triticum (Type of grass) & multiple varieties of wheat are grown in different parts of the world . Regular wheat flour and whole wheat flour comes from the same source. 

Many people think that they are the same but there is a slight difference between the two. The processing methods of both are different. Read this blog further and you will learn about the difference.

Well, both the flours are used in making chapatis which is a staple food of most Indians. Apart, from Chapatis, regular wheat flour and whole wheat flour are essential ingredients in bread, couscous, semolina, bulgur, and pasta.

Nutritional value in Wheat Flour Atta

• Calories:340
• Water:11%
• Protein:13.2 gm
• Carbs:72 gs
• Sugar:0.4 gs
• Fiber:10.7 gm
• Fat:2.5 gm

Other nutrients present in Whole Wheat Flour are:

• Selenium
• Manganese
• Phosphorus
• Copper
• Folate
• Iron
• Thiamine
• Niacin 
• Calcium
• Vitamin B6
• Ferulic acid
• Phytic acid
• Alkylresorcinols
• Lignans
• Wheat germ agglutinin
• Lutein

Difference between Whole wheat flour & Wheat flour

There are some key differences between the two. When the wheat kernel is ground completely, the obtained flour is called Whole wheat flour. From the final product, there is nothing separated & it has a grainy texture. The nutrients of the Whole Wheat Flour remain intact and compared to wheat flour, whole wheat flour is healthier.

When the bran and germ are separated from the wheat kernel and it is grounded, the obtained flour is wheat flour. As bran and germ are removed from it, the only nutrient that is left in wheat flour is endosperm & all the essential nutrients that are present in whole wheat flour are not there in regular wheat flour.

Apart from processing methods, both the varieties look slightly different in colors & texture but physically appear the same.

Health Benefits of whole wheat flour

There are several amazing benefits of whole wheat flour for health which wheat flour fails to provide. Scroll down below to know all of them:

Digestive Health:

The whole wheat flour contains insoluble fibre which is present in bran and is good for the digestive system. The bran component functions as prebiotics and reduces the time taken by undigested material to reach the digestive tract. It may also help in reducing the chances of constipation in children.

Reduce chances of colon cancer:

The most common type of cancer that occurs in the digestive system is colon cancer. It is believed that consumption of whole wheat flour reduces the chances of colon cancer. It is a rich source of fibre and also contains antioxidants & phytonutrients that are helpful in lessening the risk of colon cancer.

Help in carbohydrate metabolism:

The whole wheat flour contains Vitamin B1 which is needed for carbohydrate metabolism. It also helps in extracting the energy from food & converting it into ATP.

Good for diabetes: 

The presence of Zinc & Magnesium in whole wheat flour helps in improving the insulin response by reducing insulin resistance. Thus, the consumption of whole wheat flour is very beneficial for the health of people who have diabetes.

Improves brain function:

As above mentioned, whole wheat flour consists of Niacin content which helps in enhancing cognitive brain function. It also lowers down the triglyceride levels in the body and benefits in sustaining healthy skin. It is also said that Niacin can lessen the signs of arthritis and may help in preventing heart disease.

Rich source of antioxidants: 

The presence of vitamin B1 in whole wheat flour helps the body in eliminating toxins from an outside source and the processed food that we consume on a daily basis.

Rich in protein: 

As whole wheat flour contains protein, it helps in restoring damaged cells & developing the tissues in the body.

Bone Health:

The Phosphorus present in the whole wheat flour is good for the health of bones in the body as the content helps in restoring & maintaining the tissues in the body and also helps in removing the waste from the kidneys.

Side effects of Whole Wheat Flour

Apart from the various health benefits of Whole Wheat Flour, there are some side effects as well. Some of which we are mentioning below:

• Some people after consuming whole wheat flour may suffer from constipation, irregular bowel habits, abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhoea.
• Some people can be allergic to whole wheat flour. Thus, it is suggested that before consuming you know your body conditions.
• The whole wheat flour contains phytic acid which reduces the absorption of minerals. Thus, it acts as an antinutrient.
• Whole wheat flour consists of gluten as well. All those who are intolerant to it are suggested to not consume whole wheat flour.

Check out a leading online grocery store to purchase whole wheat flour packets online. Boost your family’s health by choosing and using the best organic food products with high nutritional value.