How Many Calories Are in 100g of Atta, and What Are Its Benefits?

Question

I’ve been trying to keep track of my daily calorie intake, and I recently started wondering about the calorie content in staple foods like atta (wheat flour). While atta is a regular part of Indian diets, I’d like to understand its nutritional value and how it contributes to overall health. Can someone explain how many calories are in 100g of atta and its associated benefits?

From what I’ve read, 100g of atta contains approximately 340–360 calories, depending on the type and brand. It’s primarily composed of carbohydrates, which provide energy, along with small amounts of protein and fat. How does this compare to other flours like maida or millet flour in terms of calorie content and health benefits?

Another benefit of atta is its dietary fiber content, which supports digestion and helps prevent constipation. How significant are these effects, and how much atta should one consume daily to maintain good gut health?

Atta also contains essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. Can regular consumption help in preventing anemia and improving energy levels? How does whole wheat atta compare to refined flour (maida) in retaining these nutrients?

One concern I have is about its impact on weight management. While atta is a staple food, could eating too much contribute to weight gain due to its calorie density? Are there ways to make it healthier, such as combining it with other flours or reducing portion sizes?

Lastly, how versatile is atta in recipes? Beyond making chapatis and parathas, can it be used for baking or creating healthy snacks? If you’ve tried alternative recipes, how did they turn out, and did they help in balancing calorie intake?

If anyone has insights into the calorie content and benefits of atta, please share your experience. How did it fit into your diet, and would you recommend it as a part of a balanced meal plan? Any tips for using it creatively or maintaining portion control would also be appreciated.

I’m looking forward to learning more about atta’s nutritional value and incorporating it into a healthy lifestyle. Your feedback and suggestions would be very helpful!

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

Atta (whole wheat flour) typically contains around 340-360 calories per 100g, primarily composed of carbohydrates that provide energy, along with moderate amounts of protein and small traces of fat. Compared to refined flour (maida), atta is more nutritious as it retains the bran and germ, making it higher in fiber, B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. This fiber aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and can help prevent constipation. Regular consumption of atta can also contribute to preventing anemia and improving energy levels. While atta is more nutrient-dense than maida, its calorie content can still contribute to weight gain if consumed in large quantities, so it's important to monitor portion sizes. To make it healthier, you can consider mixing atta with other flours like millet or oats, or reducing the portion size in meals. Atta is versatile, used for chapatis, parathas, and can also be incorporated into baking or healthy snacks, such as whole-wheat muffins or crackers, to provide a more balanced calorie intake. To maintain a balanced meal plan, controlling portion size and using atta creatively in various dishes can help incorporate its benefits without excessive calorie consumption.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Calorie Content & Nutritional Value of Atta:

Calories: 100g of whole wheat atta contains around 340–360 calories.
Macronutrients: Primarily composed of carbohydrates (energy), with small amounts of protein and fat.
Health Benefits:

Fiber: Atta is high in dietary fiber, promoting digestion and preventing constipation. It’s beneficial for gut health when consumed in moderation.
Nutrients: Contains iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, which help prevent anemia and improve energy levels.
Atta vs. Maida: Whole wheat atta retains more nutrients compared to refined maida, which loses essential vitamins and minerals during processing.

Impact on Weight Management: Atta’s calorie density could contribute to weight gain if consumed excessively. To balance, control portion sizes or mix with other flours like millet or oat flour.

Versatility: Atta can be used for chapatis, parathas, and even in baking healthy snacks. Experimenting with different recipes can help you control calorie intake.

Recommendation: Include atta in a balanced diet, keeping portions in check to avoid excess calorie consumption.

How Many Calories Are in 100g of Atta, and What Are Its Benefits? - #8824

Doctors’ responses

If you need a detailed answer, ask the Ayurvedic doctor your question

About our doctors

Related questions