Wheat flour is one of the cornerstones of the Mediterranean diet because many staple products in our everyday life, like bread or pasta -among many others-, are made from this raw material. Sometimes, you may have asked yourself how many calories wheat flour contains and what type of nutrients it provides for your body. Read on to get the answers to all these questions.
Wheat flour: 352 calories per 100 grams
The energy value of wheat flour is 352 calories per 100 grams. Although many people think otherwise, this value does not vary much if you choose wholemeal wheat flour (339 calories per 100 grams). However, because wholemeal flour has more fibre, it will be more filling.
What benefits does wheat flour have for our health?
Energy, vitamins and antioxidants
Wheat is a food rich in carbohydrates, and therefore, it gives energy to both your muscles and brain. It also contains a large number of antioxidants, and contains proteins, fats, minerals and a considerable number of vitamins, especially vitamins A, E, B-3 and B-9. Other nutrients that make wheat flour a perfect food are magnesium, calcium, potassium, essential fatty acids (like Omega 3) and fibre.
Wheat flour: an essential part of a balanced diet
To be able to call a diet balanced and healthy, it must contain a wide range of foods, including, of course, those that give energy to your body, such as carbohydrates, which cannot be ignored.
Wheat flour is especially recommended for those people with high uric acid levels because it helps prevent health problems such as gout. Furthermore, wheat flour is also good for your circulatory system and your heart because it helps lower cholesterol levels.
Given its high iron content, wheat flour is also recommended for athletes because it helps develop and protect muscles. Also, wheat flour contains potassium, which is good for lowering blood pressure and preventing rheumatism and arthritis.
Thanks to its nutritional value and the many benefits it provides to your health, wheat flour is an essential cornerstone in your diet. Don’t forget to combine it with other healthy foods that contain proteins, fats, vitamins and fibre. If you want to learn how to create healthy menus, be sure to read this article.