Complex carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are essential nutrients for our health. Nutrition science tells us that, for a balanced diet, 55-60% of total daily calories should come from carbohydrates, of which only 10%should be simple sugars and the rest in the form of complex carbohydrates such as starches.
A low carbohydrate intake results in a build-up of ketone bodies (harmful to health) and the excessive destruction (catabolism) of the proteins forming the tissues of body.
Flour and flour-based foods (such as bread and baked goods) are rich in complex carbohydrates that are absorbed slowly, unlike sugars, and do not induce a blood sugar spike after eating.
The body transforms them into glucose and uses them to supply energy to all organs and systems, especially to the cells of the muscular system, the nervous system and red blood cells. The latter in particular can live using glucose only.
Plant-based proteins
The plant-based protein contained in flour provides a considerable contribution to the body’s total daily protein requirement.
The lack of two essential amino acids – lysine and tryptophan – in flour’s plant-based proteins is easily offset by eating bread – as we normally do in our daily diet – with animal products such as cheese, meat or fish, or legumes, which are all rich in lysine and tryptophan.
The plant-based proteins in flour are less expensive than animal proteins and, unlike the latter, they do not contain lipids, in particular saturated fatty acids, whose consumption should be limited to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy and functional.
Mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids
Flour brings very little fat (lipids) to our diet and helps contain our overall lipid intake which, in an optimal, health-conscious diet, should be less than 30% of total daily calories.
The fats contained in flour are mainly mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, capable of performing essential functions within the cell structure and protecting us from cardiovascular events.
B Vitamins
They strongly contribute to the proper functioning of the nervous system and the muscular system. They protect the integrity of the skin and have antiemetic effects.
Potassium
It is essential for countless biological processes, especially for the proper functioning of the heart and the muscular system.
Dietary fibre
Dietary fibre is not digested, but reaches the intestine where it is metabolised by bacteria.
Its presence in our diet is useful for our health in a variety of ways: it promotes satiety and improves bowel function as it helps prevent constipation and diverticulosis.
It can play a critical role in cancer prevention by promoting the dilution and elimination of any carcinogenic substances.
It helps lower the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases by regulating sugar absorption and reducing blood cholesterol levels through various biological mechanisms.
Source: infofarine.it
