When choosing the right flour for your kitchen, the options seem endless. Among the many choices, two grains stand out – wheat and millet. Wheat flour has been a staple for centuries. We all have grown up consuming wheat flour, or 'gehoon ka aata'. But as you know, people are becoming quite health-conscious, their eating habits are changing with time. One of the healthiest alternatives that have emerged for its nutritional benefits in the race is millet flour. In this blog, we will compare millet and wheat flour to help you decide which is healthier for your dietary needs. But before concluding which one is a healthy pick, let us first understand them.

Understanding Wheat Flour

It is one of the most commonly used flours worldwide due to its versatility as well as overall availability. It is derived from grinding whole wheat grains, specifically the endosperm, which is the starchy core of the wheat kernel.  The colour of the flour can vary from white to brown.

The white flour is grounded only from the endosperm and is naturally yellowish. But it is bleached, or oxidising chemicals are mixed to obtain the white colour. At the same time, brown flour contains germ and bran. It gets its brown colour due to the presence of bran.

Now, let us move towards understanding what millet atta is.

Understanding Millet Flour

A millet is a group of small-seeded grains cultivated for thousands of years. It is made by grinding these tiny grains into a fine powder. From the grass family, millet resembles wheat in appearance as well as texture. Compared to flour made from wheat, millet atta has a nuttier, sweeter flavour that enhances baked items. 

This flour is light-textured and can be used in various foods, such as pancakes, bread, muffins, and cakes. Generally, it is mixed with other flours while making recipes. This nutritional flour is known for its high protein, fibre, antioxidants, vitamins and mineral content.

Health Benefits Of Millet Atta

This flour is gaining popularity due to its nutrient content, which provides numerous health benefits. Let us see how this flour boosts your fitness:

  • Antioxidant-Rich

Catechins and ferulic acid, two powerful antioxidants, are abundant in millet flour. It speeds up wound healing and aids in oxidative stress protection for your body. Moreover, this nutritious atta also contains anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Gluten-Free

This nutritious flour is completely gluten-free. These tiny grains contain alpha-type prolamin seed storage protein. They are wrapped in starch granules and are full of endosperm. No gluten is inside the grain, which is why they lack gluten. This quality makes it a great pick for people with gluten allergies.

  • Maintains Blood Sugar Level

Millet atta is a rich source of dietary fibre and non-starchy polysaccharides. These are undigestible carbs, which means they can easily manage your blood sugar level. It is exceptionally good for individuals with type 2 diabetes. 

  • Enhance Digestion

This amazing flour is rich in insoluble dietary fibre, known as 'prebiotic'. It stimulates good bacteria in your digestive system, adding bulk to stools and preventing constipation. Therefore, consuming this highly nutritious flour is good for your gut health.

Now that you know the health benefits of this nutritious flour, let us look at the various types of this high-nutritious atta available.

Types Of Millet Flour

There are many types of millet atta available in the market. Let us have a glimpse at it:

  • Barnyard Millet Flour: It is also known as 'Sanwa Flour'. It is popularly known for its high protein, calcium, iron, vitamins and minerals. It is finely-grounded from hygienically sourced millet grains. 
  • Kodo Millet Flour: It is also known as 'Koda or Arke'. This atta is fully loaded with dietary fibre and makes sure that your digestive system stays on track. Moreover, in Ayurveda, this flour is known for its therapeutic properties.
  • Browntop Millet Flour: It is also known as 'korale'. It is packed with nutrients that are essential for overall wellness. It can be easily included in numerous recipes. It is good for your cardiovascular health, and it is also heart-friendly.
  • Little Millet Flour: It is also known as 'kutki', 'samai' and 'samalu' in different languages. It contains nutrients that contain multiple nutrients that can help in strengthening your immune system. It is highly rich in essential vitamins and minerals, which makes it a perfect pick over traditional wheat flour.
  • Foxtail Millet Flour: It is also known as 'kangni'. Kangni ka atta contains a wide range of essential minerals and vitamins. Moreover, this healthy flour can be used in various baked items, from breads and pancakes to muffins. 

Until now, you are well aware of the diverse types available in the market. Let us learn the difference between the two and which is healthier for your health.

Difference Between Millet And Wheat

Millet and wheat are both two different but most important grains worldwide. But have you ever wondered what causes the difference? Let us explore:

  • A millet is a tiny, round-shaped grain that has long been an ordinary diet. High levels of protein, fibre, and minerals, including iron and magnesium, are present in this healthy atta. In contrast, gehoon has larger grains consumed on a larger scale since ancient times.
  • Wheat contains more carbohydrates than millet, which contains vitamins and minerals essential for your well-being.
  • Wheat has less amount of essential fatty acids as compared to millet. This makes millet an excellent source of healthy fatty acids.

Now, let us move forward and understand which is better.

Which Flour Is Good For Our Health?

Let us compare the nutritional content of both carry to know which one is a better pick:

  • Protein Content

When it comes to protein, there is no doubt that this nutritious flour is relatively higher in protein content than wheat flour. This makes it a preferred choice for bread and pasta production.

  • Fibre

Millet flour contains a higher fibre content as compared to wheat flour. It is an excellent choice for those looking to increase their dietary fibre intake.

  • Gluten

Gehoon ka atta contains gluten, a protein responsible for the elasticity of the dough. The greatest gluten-free substitute is millet atta for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

  • Micronutrients

This flour consists of essential micronutrients like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. These nutrients are often more abundant in millet atta compared to wheat flour.

  • Glycemic Index

This amazing gluten-free atta has a lower glycemic index compared to wheat flour. It means it can help stabilise blood sugar levels, making it a better choice for those concerned about diabetes or managing their weight.

A Key Takeaway

The choice between wheat flour and millet atta ultimately depends on your dietary preferences and health goals. Wheat flour is versatile in cooking, while the latter is high in protein, gluten-free, fibre-rich, and packed with essential nutrients. Consider incorporating both into your diet to enjoy diverse flavours and health benefits. You can easily buy millet atta online, but as always, it's essential to consult with a nutritionist or healthcare provider to determine what suits your individual nutritional needs best.