Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
which atta is best for health
FREE!Ask Ayurvedic Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Ayurveda Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 35M : 13S
background image
Click Here
background image
Nutrition
Question #40776
97 days ago
468

which atta is best for health - #40776

Evelyn

I am feeling really confused lately about this whole atta thing. I've been trying to eat healthier and I keep hearing about different kinds of atta. Some friends say whole wheat is the way to go, but then others mention besan and ragi, and I'm like, which atta is best for health? Last week, I tried making chapatis with whole wheat, thinking it's a staple, but then I felt kinda heavy and bloated after, like it didn't sit right with me. I used to love making rotis with great ease, but after hearing about gluten sensitivity, I wonder if whole wheat is actually good for me. My mom swears by ragi for its calcium benefits, but does it really help? Honestly, I just want to understand which atta is best for health, especially considering my digestion issues lately. I even looked online and found all these articles but they just left me more bewildered! Can anyone share their experience? Like, do you feel any difference when you switch between them? What’s your go-to? Should I try besan or something else instead? Really need some help figuring this out!

FREE
Question is closed

Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition

FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
background-image
background-image
background image
banner-image
banner-image

Doctors' responses

In Ayurveda, the type of atta you choose is important and it largely depends on your individual constitution or dosha, as well as your specific health concerns like your digestion issues you mentioned. For someone experiencing bloating and heaviness after eating whole wheat, you might want to explore other options that are lighter and easier to digest.

Ragi atta, also known as finger millet flour, is often recommended due to its high calcium content, making it especially beneficial. It can support bone health, and it is also rich in fibers, which might help with digestion. Ragi is considered cooling, so if you’re feeling overheated or have pitta imbalance, it might suit you well. However, if you find yourself on the cooler side, it could potentially aggravate your condition. Its properties can be fine for kapha and vata doshas in moderation.

Besan or chickpea flour, is another great option. It’s gluten-free, so if gluten sensitivity is a concern for you, besan would be ideal. It’s high in protein and can be substantial and satiating. It’s heating in nature, so it could be advantageous if feeling sluggish or cold. Yet, in excess, it might not be suitable for pitta individuals due to its heating quality.

Bajra or pearl millet flour is another alternative. It’s rich in iron, which lasts longer in the body, releasing energy gradually. It’s warming as well, which may be helpful for vata individuals.

Experimenting with combinations can also be beneficial. Try mixing any of these with small amounts of whole wheat to test your digestion. It can be a gentle approach without completely eliminating gluten unless necessary. If your digestion seemed to be more sensitive recently, prioritizing sitting calm, chewing well, and not rushing meals might help your agni, or digestive fire, process foods more effectively.

Incorporating spices like cumin, ginger, and fennel while cooking can also support digestion, as they stimulate your digestive processes. Pay attention to how your body responds to these changes, and don’t hesitate to adjust if something feels not quite right.

11499 answered questions
28% best answers

0 replies

Choosing the right atta for your health can indeed be a little confusing, especially if you’re juggling some digestive issues. When we look at it from a Siddha-Ayurvedic perspective, it’s less about a one-size-fits-all answer and more about what’s aligned with your unique body constitution (prakriti), any current imbalances, and overall digestive fire (agni).

Whole wheat atta is a staple, mainly because it’s nutritious and rich in fiber. However, it can be heavy and produce a bloating sensation if your agni is weak or if you have a vata imbalance, which can lead to congestion and digesting challenges. Gluten could be irritating if you’re sensitive, so it’s good to listen to your body’s signals.

Ragi is excellent for pacifying vata and kapha doshas, offering plenty of calcium and promoting bone health. It’s lighter than wheat, so it might sit better with you if you’re having digestive discomfort. Cooking ragi in various forms, like dosas or rotis, could be beneficial. It’s also gluten-free, which might help with your concern over gluten sensitivity.

Besan, made from chickpeas, is another nutritious option, particularly rich in protein and ideal for balancing vata and pitta doshas due to its cooling properties. It’s viable for making savory pancakes or snacks if you find wheat too heavy.

Switching between different attas based on how you feel can be an approach. You might also consider:

1. Rotating attas like ragi, jowar, or bajra weekly to see which suits you. 2. Incorporating spices like ginger or cumin while cooking to boost agni and reduce bloating. 3. Staying hydrated and eating in a calm environment, mindful of portions.

Any uncertainties about intolerances or deep-seated digestive troubles should preferably lead you to consult someone personaly; ongoing concerns might need personalized advice that considers more aspects of your daily life and health.

11935 answered questions
28% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Latest reviews

Lincoln
1 hour ago
Thanks for confirming the meds are safe. Relieved to know your answer was clear n simple, very reassuring!
Thanks for confirming the meds are safe. Relieved to know your answer was clear n simple, very reassuring!
Olivia
1 hour ago
Really helpful response! Appreciate the clear guidance on managing BP with Mukta Vati and lifestyle tips. Feeling more at ease now. Thanks!
Really helpful response! Appreciate the clear guidance on managing BP with Mukta Vati and lifestyle tips. Feeling more at ease now. Thanks!
Landon
1 hour ago
Thanks for clearing that up! I was kinda worried about combining them. Guess I should chill on the drinks if I want max benefits! 🙏
Thanks for clearing that up! I was kinda worried about combining them. Guess I should chill on the drinks if I want max benefits! 🙏
Shelby
1 hour ago
Super helpful answer! Got me exactly where I needed to look. Loved the tip on preparing my own powder, super useful for my research! Thanks!
Super helpful answer! Got me exactly where I needed to look. Loved the tip on preparing my own powder, super useful for my research! Thanks!