Is maida good or bad for health? Delhi nutritionist explains what happens if you stop eating it for 2 weeks

We are unconsciously eating maida, aka all-purpose flour, every day. It sneaks into our plates through foods like naan, samosas, biscuits, white bread, pizzas, and even the soft bakery cakes we can’t seem to resist. Refined to a silky texture, it may taste indulgent, but stripped of fibre and essential nutrients, maida is linked to blood sugar spikes, poor digestion, and weight gain when consumed frequently. Recently, Delhi-based nutritionist Lovneet Batra shared a video on Instagram explaining why you should quit maida from your diet for 2 weeks.

According to Lovneet Batra, maida gets stripped of its bran and germ during processing, leaving behind mostly refined starch with very little fibre and nutrients. But when you replace it with whole, minimally processed foods, it can improve your overall health.

Stable blood sugar

Refined flour breaks down quickly in the body, causing sudden spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels. Switching to fibre-rich foods helps slow down this process, reducing energy dips and keeping your energy levels steady throughout the day.

Better digestion and gut health

Maida lacks fibre, which is essential for smooth digestion. Replacing it with whole foods can improve bowel movements, support a healthier gut microbiome, and reduce issues like bloating and discomfort.

Reduced cravings and improved satiety

Foods made with maida often fail to keep you full for long, leading to frequent snacking. Whole, unprocessed foods help you feel fuller for longer, control unnecessary cravings, and support better appetite regulation.

Supports weight regulation

Refined foods are easy to overconsume without realising it. Cutting back on maida can naturally reduce calorie intake, helping maintain a healthier and more stable weight over time.

Improved nutrient intake

Unlike maida, whole grains are rich in essential nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, iron, and antioxidants. These nutrients play a key role in supporting metabolism, improving skin health, and boosting overall well-being.

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A post shared by Lovneet Batra (@lovneetb)

In conclusion, Lovneet Batra shared that eliminating maida from your dietary regimen for 14 days can help you maintain better energy levels, smoother digestion, reduced bloating, and more balanced hunger patterns. Over time, these improvements can also contribute to better sleep and healthier skin, largely due to improved gut health and stable blood sugar levels.