Swap Maida For These 5 Types Of Healthier Flour

While there is no denying the fact that healthy eating is the key to a good life, when it comes to practising it in reality, not always do we fare well. That's because there are so many temptations - junk food and fried treats that taste heavenly - that healthy eating goes right out of the window. Then there's this common perception that healthy eating requires one to put in a lot of effort. The truth is that it's all about making the right food choices. You need to be mindful of what you eat and the kinds of ingredients you buy to follow the healthy path. While it may all seem too much, it's really not at all difficult when you get down to doing it.

One of the first steps that you can take towards healthy eating is to say no to refined flour, and even while using whole wheat flour, give it a nutritious boost by adding other healthy flours to it. Wondering what all to include? We have listed down five power packed flours you can add to your daily diet:

1. Ragi (Finger Millet) Flour

While ragi is a commonly available ingredient in South India, particularly Karnataka, not always does it make it to daily diet of the people. If the dish ragi mudde has repelled you in the past, you should know that there are actually lot other delicious ways to use ragi. It's touted to be a great source of calcium and iron. You can use it to make pancakes, crepes, cakes, rotis, etc.

You can buy it for Rs 49. Shop here.

(Also read: Sip On These 10 Wonderful Teas And Keep Calm This Winter)

^{Organic Tattva Ragi Flour}

2. Jowar (Sorghum) Flour

Jowar is a perfect gluten free alternative to wheat flour. It's obtained from Sorghum, which is a kind of millet. It's a great source of fiber, protein and essential vitamins. Make rotis with 100 percent jowar is tricky, but you can mix it with your regular flour or use it to make pancakes, etc.

You can buy it for Rs 49. Shop here.

^{24 Mantra Organic Jowar Flour}

3. Bajra (Pearl Millet) Flour

In West India, bajra rotis are commonly used. They are filling, as they contain a great source of fiber. But when topped with white butter, it makes for a great accompaniment with curries and meat dishes.

You can buy it for Rs 150. Shop here.

^{Urban Platter Bajra Flour}

4. Kuttu (Buckwheat) Flour

Buckwheat or kuttu makes an appearance in the market, particularly during Navratri when it is forbidden to eat grains. It's a great source of protein, and can be used to make pooris, parathas, etc.

You can buy it for Rs 249. Shop here.

^{Organic Farmers Co Buckwheat Flour}

5. Rajgira (Amaranth) Flour

Amaranth flour does not contain troublesome gluten found in wheat, rye and barley. It is a good source of calcium, protein, iron, magnesium and vitamins A, B and C. In fact amaranth or rajgira is the only grain which contains Vitamin C. You can use it to thicken soups and sauces apart from making chapattis. It can also be used with other gluten free flours for baking.

You can buy it for a discounted price of Rs 269. Shop here.

^{NutroActive Gluten-Free Amaranth Flour}

Include these nutritious flours in your daily meals to get a health boost.