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Is Maida (White Flour) Good for Health
Maida or refined flour is a popular ingredient in most kitchens. We all have gorged on pooris, naans, samosas, biscuits, bread and cakes made from maida some time or the other. But is it healthy to do so? How exactly does it harm our body? Maida or refined flour is a finer form of wheat flour made from the inner part of the wheat grain. Wheat is processed to remove its germ and bran, leaving behind the endosperm which is the white flour. It is then ground well and bleached, which gives maida its typical white colour. The bleach and the chemicals combined with maida brings about its softness.
Why Should You Avoid Eating Maida?
We may have often heard that maida is not good for health. It is important to comprehend why is maida unhealthy. Maida health effects can be numerous. Some reasons why you should avoid eating maida are:
1. Risk of Obesity
The glycaemic index (GI) of maida is very high, about 71, which means it contains double the amount of calories when compared to low GI and unprocessed foods. So, when a person binges on foods that have maida, the calorie count may spike up. When the intake of calories is high, the body cells may receive more glucose than required which in turn gets accumulated as fat, leading to rapid weight gain.
2. Disrupts Digestion
One of the side effects of maida is that it can congest the digestive system. Maida has very little food value for it contains no fibre. Lack of fibre makes it difficult to digest it. It can upset the rate of metabolism thus interrupting the regular bowel movements causing constipation and other digestive problems. Also, it is short in moisture which disorders the digestive system.
3. The Danger of Developing Diabetes
Maida and diabetes are closely linked. The more refined a food item is, the greater insulin is needed to manage it. The hormone insulin controls sugar absorption by cells. Consuming too much maida initiates surplus release of sugar in the body. Elevated sugar levels can negatively impact the functioning of the pancreas which secretes the insulin hormone into the bloodstream. Initially, the pancreas may release extra insulin, activating an insulin hike. However, in due course of time, it is unable to cope with the increased production of insulin needed to regulate the blood sugar levels leading to insulin resistance and incidence of Type-2 diabetes.
4. Nutrient Deficient
Foods made of maida may score in the taste section. However, they tend to make a person feel stuffed and undernourished for they provide only empty calories. All the essential nutrients, proteins, minerals get destroyed during the processing of maida. Moreover, foods prepared from refined flour draw nutrients from the body to assist their absorption, thereby draining the body’s pool of minerals and vitamins.
5. The Threat of Chronic Diseases
Overc-onsumption of maida which makes a person susceptible to unwarranted blood sugar levels and obesity can also trigger higher triglyceride levels, causing heart disorders. Maida disadvantages also include a possible rise in LDL or bad cholesterol leading to clogged arteries and increased blood pressure. Excess intake of maida can stress the adrenals, failing them which may weaken the body’s immunity. Further, maida is acidic with low mineral content which can generate acidity in the body triggering chronic inflammation, health issues like headaches.
Toxic Chemicals in Maida Flour
The refining procedure along with the bleaching make several toxic chemicals in maida flour. Certain chemicals are added to preserve the maida-rich foods which can prove detrimental for the body. Some of the chemicals are:
1. Alloxan and Benzoyl Peroxide
Maida flour is milled from wheat during which all the dietary fibre starches and roughage gets left out. Also, benzoyl peroxide, a bleaching agent is used which imparts the flour its white colour. Benzoyl peroxide is a harmful chemical which is put to use in tooth whitening products and hair dyes. In its concentrated form, it can be quite explosive.
In addition to this, another chemical, alloxan is also added to provide the flour with a smooth texture. Animal testing has shown signs that alloxan can destroy pancreas’s beta cells, resulting in Type 2 diabetes. The use of both these chemicals can adversely affect the health causing various health ailments like constipation, obesity, chronic inflammation.
2. Mineral Oil and Ajinomoto
Mineral oil is a spin-off of diesel, kerosene and petroleum. It is made use of as a preservative in maida-rich foods. Food fried using mineral oil can last for many days without getting spoilt as bacteria cannot survive in it. But the potential hazards of the toxic product make it an unsafe proposition.
Ajinomoto or MSG (monosodium glutamate) has been barred from use by many governments due to the potential threat of kidney impairment and failure it holds. Ajinomoto is added to many maida-processed foods as it can improve the taste.
3. Other Harmful Chemicals in Maida
Many maida-rich foodstuffs also contain possibly dangerous chemicals like benzoic acid and sodium meta bi-sulphate (SMBS) which can spur several health complications particularly in kids and pregnant women.
Alternatives to White Flour
For safeguarding your health, it is best to avoid consumption of maida. If that seems difficult, it may bear well to restrict its intake as much as possible. Some alternatives to white flour can be:
Whole wheat flour
Millets like bajra, jowar, maize
Ragi
Rice flour
Gram flour or besan
Urad flour
Soy flour
Food products made from maida are widely available and consumed. It has increasingly become a part of our daily diet which is alarming. Such foods are not only fattening for the body but also very damaging as it can give rise to several diseases. Therefore, it is very vital to understand its harmful effects on health, limit its consumption and switch to healthier options.
Also Read:
Best Flours That Are Totally Gluten-free
How to Make Multigrain Atta at Home
Best Cooking Oils for Your Health Read more
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Why Your Toddler Talking to Himself Is a Good Thing
Self-talking in children can concern some parents. But is it really worrisome? Learn how self-talk is a display of kids' growing imaginary world and the way they connect real-life objects with that world. It's a phase that's as important as it is interesting!
Most kids engage in self-talk, either with themselves or with their toys. This is a self-talk child development trait that occurs at a certain period in toddlers’ lives. Although self-talk is seen in adults and children too, it is more observed in kids. Find out what it signifies and whether you need to be concerned or not.
Conversations with Inanimate Objects: The Why
Self-talk in kids is related to their cognitive development. Studies show that it’s a form of communication that kids participate in in their imaginary world. The characters they converse with in this fanciful universe may be the same as in real life, but a toddler talking to himself actually perceives himself playing a different role other than himself. In this role, he may imitate what he’s seen others do. Toys can also play important characters in this world, which is why toddlers speak to them.
1. Developmental Aspects Associated with Kids’ Self-talk
If you are a parent to a kid who ages between 3 and 5 years, you may ask whether it’s normal for toddlers to talk to themselves. According to child psychologists, it’s kids’ way of expressing their innermost feelings and thoughts. Moreover, this trait also helps them familiarise with their environment, leading to a better hold of language. The next time you see your toddler talking to his toys, rest assured that he’s only going through a phase and will outgrow it in time.
2. How Toddlers’ Self-talk Differs from Adults’
Unlike adults, self-talk in toddlers is more obvious and even loud. They forget the environment they are in and are transported to their imaginary world. They may question themselves and their toys loudly and use gestures too. These self-conversations demonstrate examples of private speech in children and are completely unilateral. They can be termed as egocentric speech.
Self-talking in children also encompasses a three-stage action – private speech about a completed action or plan, an action in progress, and finally, the conclusion. This process may be repeated many times to form a story.
3. How Self-talk Benefits Your Child
Numerous studies have shown that self-talking is beneficial for kids. Here are some important advantages that you must note:
Intelligence is the most significant factor of self-talk in child development. Kids with a higher frequency of self-talk are looked into as being smarter than those who don’t engage in it.
When a toddler self-talks, he shows his acquaintance and family about the concepts he has learned in the real world. This should reassure you that your child is developing.
Do you often see your toddler having conversations with toys and himself? It shows he’s less capricious and is his self-control is improving. Impulsive children, on the other hand, may be prompted to use verbal commands and may need guidance to talk to themselves.
WATCH: 7 Early Signs Of Autism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEqrIbzskp4
Self-Talking - When to Worry
Self-talking in toddlers is only natural. Children relish day-dreaming and having unfathomable talks with their inanimate friends. They can have endless conversations with imaginary friends, like pets and inanimate dolls and teddy bears. Mostly, they repeat what they hear from their parents. It signifies their curiosity to learn about new things and brain development.
However, if a child is repeating the same sentence, it is a matter of concern. Self-talking and repetitive talk go along, but if it continues for long, the child might have developmental difficulties. Repetitive self-talking is sometimes a symptom of autism in children. If you notice that on making certain changes in your child’s schedule, he gets upset and indulges in self-talking to calm himself, you should soon consult a doctor.You should not form your assumptions too soon. Self-talking and repetitive talk cannot be considered as a conclusive factor to determine if your child is autistic or not. The signs of autism in children are more complex. Self-talk, on the other hand, is a steppingstone to their development.
Self-talking in toddlers is very common especially between 3-5 years of age. Hereafter, the habit gradually recedes. Read more
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Can Breast Milk Prevent Food Allergies in Childhood?
Food allergies have grown more prevalent over the past decade. Scientists believe that further research is required to untangle and understand the factors that contribute to causing a food allergy. This could worry new mothers who are often troubled about triggering a food allergy in their infant while breastfeeding. Recent research, however, contraindicates that breast milk can prevent food allergies even until early childhood.
How Does Breast Milk Protect Against Food Allergies?
Data indicates that a particular pattern of complex sugars in the breast milk of humans is linked to a reduced rate of food allergies in babies. Human milk consists of complex sugars called Human Milk Oligosaccharides or HMOs. HMOs are the third most ample milk solid after lactose, in human milk.
Nevertheless, it is understood from research that these complex sugars help to prevent future allergies that may develop in childhood. Studies conducted on the gut microbe of breastfed babies showed how the HMOs worked to coach the immune system to reduce allergic reactions. The sugars, although not digestible by infants, act as a prebiotic to aid in the development of gut flora or gut microbiota. These microflorae are the primary influencers of allergic diseases in humans. The amount and the composition of HMOs can vary between women, mainly depending on their demography, ethnicity, lactation stage, and gestational age.
A study conducted on 421 infants and milk samples showed that breastfed infants were likely at a lower risk of health conditions like asthma, wheezing, obesity, or infections. Sensitisation during early stages of infancy may not always continue during their late childhood, but are reliable indicators of the future. A study, published by the journal Allergy, conducted skin prick test for infants and one-year-old children and presented that breastfed infants didn’t respond to food allergens.
These studies also revealed that it was not an individual HMO, but the overall composition of HMO that played a crucial role in sensitising the gut to allergic reactions. This is a clear indication that breast milk and food allergies are conversely related, and breast milk holds credibility for therapeutic interventions.
Breastfeeding your infant has immeasurable value. It provides initial immunity to your infant, increases bonding between mother and infant, and goes on to aid prevention of food allergies in early childhood. It can be the single most important activity between mother and infant that will protect and nourish your baby.
Also Read: Soy Milk for Babies: Is It Safe? Read more
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Talking About Tough Issues with Kids
As children grow, they are confronted with a lot of things around them like how a baby is born, death, child abuse, separation, sexuality, religion, wars, etc. Sometimes, these issues may be difficult to explain, but try not to avoid these questions as we may miss an important opportunity to explain the right and wrong of these subjects to our children.
Children start asking ‘why’ and ‘how’ about each topic as soon as they reach the age of 4. This is because, one - they are curious, and second - they have started thinking more logically. They want to know why certain things happen and how they happen. It’s good to encourage such type of open talks in the family. In fact, these early conversations are more likely to continue in the later lives too. This gives a unique opportunity to parents to talk about such issues first before anyone else does.
Tips to Talk about Tough Issues
Following are some of the useful tips which will help you in talking about such tough issues with patience and confidence:
Find Out What a Child Knows Already
Ask your children how a particular query occurred in their mind, where did they hear about it and what do they know. This will help you understand what your child understands or misunderstands. It can guide you in putting the context right.
Keep Your Discussion and Explanations Simple
Keep your language and explanation simple and age-appropriate. There is no need to give all the details about something, from start to end. Just tell them what is required for the moment and in case such situation occurs, what safety measures should be followed.
Encourage Openness
Children will come up with their questions only when they know we will hear them and respond. If the very first time, we scold or ignore them on such questions, they are unlikely to come up again with such queries. Thus, it’s important to create an open, supportive and positive environment at home.
Share Your Values
Research says, children need moral guidance from their mom and dad, so do not hesitate to share your views, beliefs and values with your little ones.
Be Honest and Straight
Give honest answers, it will give your child an ability to trust you in the future. If you do not provide straightforward answers, children will create their own fantasy explanations which can be more weird and frightening than the real ones. There is no need to provide all details, but it’s important not to leave big gaps.
Parents are responsible for raising their kids in a manner that they grow up to be confident and balanced human beings. Talking about tough subjects helps kids understand how they have to protect themselves and take smart decisions in critical situations. Read more
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Mom-to-Be - The Most Beautiful Phase of a Woman’s Life
Being pregnant is a wonderful feeling and you can truly get to know how special it is when you step into that beautiful phase. I guess every woman has her own set of questions and inquisitiveness tagged to it.
Having entered motherhood recently, I can say that there are some basic things that work universally - what you may call the golden rules of pregnancy. Healthy eating, a consistent active schedule, keeping yourself up and optimistic, and most importantly, loving your physical being as it transforms during the process is important. During this precious time, every day brings to you a new feeling and a discovery of your own potential. To sustain it, balancing all aspects of your physical and mental being becomes a primary responsibility.
When I look back now, I feel that the initial days of pregnancy are the toughest as you need to achieve perfect harmony between your physical self and your inner being. For me, the following inclusions in my lifestyle made it easy to get along with my changing self quickly and smoothly.
Getting used to healthy and nutritious eating habits have now become a part of my life.
A wardrobe modification helped me prepare for the changing body. It's actually a driving factor to feel good about your physical appearance and believe me, it gives you a lot of good memories later on. So carry yourself to look chic and stylish all through.
Being very particular about the kind of footwear I was using, as it was time to get comfy in flats and lighter fashionable stuff, relieved me of the pressure of the increasing weight on my body.
A pregnancy pillow is a must-buy from the very initial stages and believe me, it comes in handy even post delivery.
Fragrances or no fragrances is what is going to be a big issue so it's good to buy sensitive and branded fragrance-free toiletries! Your nose tends to get ultra sensitive!
I would suggest investing in a large bag or maybe even a diaper bag for yourself at this stage. This works to cater to our personal needs during pregnancy and later on functions as per its name - diaper/baby bag.
A good pair of walking shoes is again not to be missed. It's time to be on your toes!
A very consistent active schedule that includes a walk, mediation or a light yoga session (as suggested and suitable) is something I'd recommend.
A dedicated time slot spent listening to soothing music tracks helped me relax. For me, it included garbha sanskar tracks available online and specific tracks for pregnancy. It really helps keep you focused!
Keeping in touch with your own self and the growing life within is important.
Lastly, staying closely connected to your spouse and other family members matters, for they are the best companions on this journey you're going through!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Baked Eggplant Parmesan
This is the no-fry variation of the famous ‘eggplant parmigiana’, and trust us when we say it is just as delicious. The dish gets it ‘fresh’ flavor from the garlic and basil. For best results, you need to choose firm and smooth eggplants. And for an added robust taste, salting the eggplant rounds is the key. You may feel that the recipe involves several steps, but the end result is so worth the effort.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
6 People
10 - 15 Minutes
20 - 25 Minutes
Ingredients
3 eggplants
100 g flour
2 garlic clove, minced
4 whole peeled tomatoes
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil
¼ tsp black pepper
150 g bread crumbs
120 g grated Parmesan cheese, divided
4 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt, to taste
Method
Step 1
Cut the eggplants into ¼ inch or ½ inch rounds. Lays the roundels on the rack and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let the rounds sit for 2 hours. The salt in this process will pull out water from the roundels.
Step 2
In a saucepan, heat around 1 tbsp of olive oil on medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a few seconds. Next, add tomatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste and keep it simmering for around 15 minutes. Add the minced basil and remove from heat.
Step 3
Beat eggs in one bowl and keep it ready. In another bowl, keep flour ready.
Step 4
Take one more bowl, combine bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese and keep ready.
Step 5
Spread a little olive oil in the baking pan and keep it ready.
Step 6
Take the eggplant rounds and pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 7
Taking one at a time, dip the eggplant roundel first in flour, then in beaten eggs, and then in cheese-breadcrumbs mixture. Spread 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce over the bottom of an oiled casserole dish.
Step 8
Place the eggplant roundel on the sauce and with the help of a spoon apply some more sauce over the eggplant round and then sprinkle some cheese.
Step 9
Take another slice, keep it on the first one and repeat the process. Keep the layers of roundels one above the other in stacks beside each other
Step 10
In the end, top with remaining cheese.
Step 11
Bake uncovered at 350F for 30-35 minutes.
Step 12
Remove, cool for 10 mins, separate single stacks and serve.
Nutritional Information
Calories
682 K cal
Proteins
42.5 g
Fat
34.8 g
Carbohydrates
54.4 g
Cholesterol
168 mg
Sodium
1436 mg
Potassium
822 mg
Read more
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. Is it okay if my baby does not pass stool for one day?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. no need to worry about the frequency and colour of the stool if the consistency of the stool is semi solid to solid.
also there is no need to worry about the smell of the stool if the consistency is normal.
you have to meet the doctor if it is watery inconsistency or hard consistency otherwise semi solid to solid stool is normal.
also passing stool after taking food is normal. r
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
3 hours ago
Q. Q.Asktheexperta# I m an expecting mother of 29 yrs. LMP 10 Feb 2024 . my husband's HPLC report shows thalassemia minor trait while mine is hb d Punjab trait . can we continue with this pregnancy ??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. Well you should check with your gynaecologist for that she has to go through all the reports and the issues that you are facing you and your husband and accordingly she can tell you what is the situation how your child is going because lot of things depend upon how the child is growing
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
2 hours ago
Q. Hi doctor, I had scan on 33 weeks 2 day, it stated that AC and HC Is <2.3% which is corresponding to 31 weeks. So overall growth of baby avg is 31 week and 2 days.
will there be any issue with the baby.I have attached my report
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. For the query asked needdhs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. I am having pain on my right breast while breastfeeding. Latching position is correct. it is a mix of burning sensation and pain. Pain lasts for few minutes after breastfeeding also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. nipcare ointments ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
1 hour ago
Q. When baby movement starts??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. 5-6 months ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. hello dr..I am 39 weeks 3 days pregnant, AFI level 8 is this normal?and normal delivery possible for me? Is the fluid enough for up to 1 week?Do I need a drip? please suggest me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. the levels are on the lower side. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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