Why Maida Is Not Good For Health? 13 Side Effects Of Maida You Should Know!

Welcome, readers! Maida or white flour is used considerably across the Indian subcontinent to make numerous traditional dishes and recipes. Prevalent in fast foods in high portions, white flour can have terrible consequences on our health, which is why it is generally referred to as the ‘white poison’. 

A study published in the journal Gut in 2021 found that Indians who consumed white flour in significant amounts endured side effects of maida products and were at an increased risk of developing celiac disease and type 2 diabetes. 

For instance, pooris, naans, samosas, biscuits, and much more! It is high time that we understand that no matter how appealing these dishes look, maida does more harm than good. So, to the question, is maida good for health? The answer is no, and this blog will tell you why! Today, you will discover the side effects of maida and why you should restrict the consumption of refined flour. So, wait no more and read on!

Table Of Contents

1. What Is Maida?

2. Why Is Maida Not Good For Health?

3. What Are The Side Effects Of Maida?

4. What Are The Side Effects Of Maida Products?

5. What Are The Healthier Alternatives For Maida?

6. The Final Say

7. FAQs

8. References 

What Is Maida?

Maida is known to be the most refined form of wheat flour. The whole process of making maida is similar in that it loses numerous essential nutrients. Known as ‘white poison’, white flour is becoming a necessity for all of us, but it impacts our health drastically.  So many side effects of maida make it important to understand why it should be avoided and how much it can harm you so that you can improve your eating habits.  

Maida contains bleach and chemicals, which makes it soft and has a typical white colour. The bleaching agent used is heavily toxic and harmful to your health. When maida is prepared, almost 97% of the fibre from the wheat is lost; thus, the maida flour is left with poor nutritional value.

Also Read: Gehun Ka Atta: Nutritional Value And Health Benefits 

Why Is Maida Not Good For Health?

The whole grain of wheat has three parts: the bran that contains fibres and antioxidants, the germ that contains minerals and proteins and, incidentally, the endosperm that contains carbohydrates. The bran and germ are extracted. When wheat is processed to produce white flour, the maida is just the endosperm.

Due to this, the nutritional value of maida flour is virtually zero. There are more ways to prove the side effects of maida. Few manufacturers attract customers by labelling their maida products as ‘enriched flour’, which is nothing but adding 3- 4 vitamins at the cost of 10 lost vitamins during processing. 

What Are The Side Effects Of Maida?

There are so many side effects of maida. Here are some of the major causes that may occur in the frequent consumption of maida that you must know about.

1. Digestive Problems  

Due to its low fibre content, maida becomes difficult to digest, which leads to constipation in numerous cases. It is best to limit your intake of maida to maintain good digestive health and healthy bowel movements. 

2. Risk Of Diabetes  

Maida has a high glycemic index, which can cause a sharp and sudden insulin response. This can lead to inflammation and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Due to its high GI, maida releases sugar into the bloodstream and can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. 

3. Risk Of Obesity  

The high glycemic index of maida contributes to obesity, and it causes rapid elevations in blood sugar and insulin levels. Its refinement, coupled with a lack of essential nutrients and fibre, obstructs the regulation process for satiety hormones; this could pave the way for overeating. Furthermore, due to its refined nature, maida disrupts metabolic processes, promoting fat accumulation and heightened susceptibility towards weight gain.

4. Heart Problems  

Another significant reason why maida is not good for health is that consuming maida can increase bad cholesterol( LDL) levels in the body. This leads to numerous heart-related problems, increasing the chances of heart stroke. 

5. Harmful To The Gut  

Maida is a type of flour commonly used in many foods. However, it is also known as ‘glue to the gut.’ This is because when maida is consumed, it turns into a sticky substance and can clog the digestive system. Therefore, it is recommended to consume foods that are high in fibre as they can help in cleaning the gut.

6. May Weaken Immunity  

Another side effect of maida is that it could stress the adrenals. Some studies have also detected chronic inflammation associated with maida, which can weaken the body’s immunity to great extents. Further, as it contains little nutritional value, deficiencies in vitamin C, zinc, iron, and B can hinder the production and activity of immune cells, making the body more susceptible to infections.

7. Increased Risk Of Chronic Disease  

Possessing a high glycemic index, maida triggers rapid spikes in blood glucose levels, which can lead to chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance. These are two pivotal factors in the onset of diabetes as well as cardiovascular diseases. The absence of fibre and essential micronutrients within maida further intensifies these issues. This underlines its role not just as an instigator but also as a contributor towards promoting chronic diseases through disruption of metabolic homeostasis coupled with systemic inflammation. 

Also Read: Glycemic Index Of Wheat

What Are The Side Effects Of Maida Products?

Apart from the side effects of maida, there are some cautioning side effects of maida products which you should be aware of, and they are mentioned below: 

1. Results In Weight Gain  

Maida can only keep you full for a short time, as has been demonstrated. It makes you more capacious and encourages bingeing. Furthermore, the high carbohydrate content in it increases insulin secretion, which also results in weight gain and obesity. 

2. SMBS Presence  

Side effects of maida also include the presence of benzoic acid (used for flour treatment), which is harmful to children and pregnant women. Sodium metabisulphite (SMBS) is another toxic chemical used in the preparation of food products from flour, which can cause deposition in tissue and increase cellular toxicity. 

3. Elevated Blood Sugar  

Consuming refined flour leads to metabolic dysfunction due to raised blood sugar levels. Experts claim that the substance alloxan that causes diabetes is abundant in maida. This compound, coupled with elevated blood sugar spikes, can cause chronic inflammation and type 2 diabetes. 

4. Gut Dysbiosis  

Maida's lack of fibre may negatively impact gut microbiome balance, potentially contributing to gut dysbiosis and digestive issues. Furthermore, being frequently referred to as the "glue of the gut" due to its absence of fibre, maida's adverse effects on the gut microbiome balance may extend to issues such as obesity and constipation. 

5. Dental Problems

Consumption of maida-based products like cookies, cakes, or pastries causes the bacteria in the mouth to break down these sugars and starches into acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities and tooth decay. The sticky nature of maida makes it an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to other dental problems. 

What Are The Healthier Alternatives For Maida?

As you have read about so many side effects of maida, you should also know about the top alternatives to maida along with their nutritional values. This will help you understand what is healthier for you. You can add these or any flour to your everyday eating habits to make satisfying recipes!   

The Final Say  

As this exploration of the side effects of maida and its products wrap up, it’s important to make informed dietary choices and keep yourself away from food items made from maida. These are not only high-calorie and low-nutrient foods that are relatively damaging to the body.

Go for bread, noodles, pasta and bakery items using wheat flour, which is easily available in food stores or use healthy alternatives to maida mentioned above in your diet. By steering clear of white flour and its derivatives in the long run, you pave the way for improved health and well-being, making informed choices for a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

FAQs

1. What are the side effects of maida during pregnancy?

Consuming too much maida can lead to weight gain, which in turn may increase the threat of gestational diabetes and other complications. Consuming maida in moderation and balancing it with other healthy choices in your diet is important.

2. What are the Side effects of maida on the skin?

Foods made of white rice or refined flour (maida) are veritably high in refined carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates are easily absorbed in our bloodstream and spike insulin. This property makes it acne-causing food. 

3. Is it OK to eat Maida once a week?   

Yes, you can occasionally have maida food, like once a week. This will satisfy your cravings and will not harm you much. 

4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of maida?

Some of the known maida advantages and disadvantages include:

Advantages

• It is affordable

• It has a long shelf life

• It is easy to digest

  
  

Disadvantages

• Low in nutrients

• High in calories

• It may cause digestive problems

References

• Is Maida Good For Health & What Effect Does It Have?

• 10 Reasons Why Maida Flour is Called White Poison

• All You Need to Know about the Disadvantages of Maida Flour

About ToneOp

ToneOp is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented health plans with up to 3 Coach support. With a range of Weight Management, Medical Condition, Detox Plans, and Face Yoga Plans, the app also provides premium health trackers, recipes and health content. Get customised diet, fitness, naturopathy & yoga plans and transform yourself with ToneOp.