Black wheat flour is a gluten-free, greyish-black variety produced in a Punjabi lab by processing the seeds of the black wheat plant. Black wheat was created and manufactured in 2015 by NABI (National Agro-Food Biotechnology Institute) in Mohali, Punjab (India). The other two varieties of black wheat are purple and blue wheat. The institute has received a patent for the cultivation of black wheat. It contains a lot of "anthocyanin," a pigment that gives fruits and vegetables their blue, black, crimson, or purple colours, as its name suggests. Additionally, they act as natural antioxidants that are formed in the field when the grain fills, giving the wheat a great nutritional value.
Nutritional Value
Antioxidants, B vitamins, folic acid, selenium, manganese, zinc, calcium, iron, copper, potassium, fibre, and amino acids are all present in black wheat. Black wheat also contains 28 times more anthocyanins than other types of wheat do. This superfood's key nutritional ingredients are anthocyanins, antioxidants, folic acid, dietary fibres, and a high iron content. Gluten-free, making it ideal for people with gluten allergies. Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B9 are added. Zinc, selenium, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, and phosphorus are examples of minerals. A good supply of amino acids helps develop muscle and create tissue.
Health Benefits
Great For Overall Health
Anthocyanin, a potent antioxidant, can treat high blood pressure, colds, urinary tract infections, and heart disease while also protecting against inflammatory diseases. It should be consumed in moderation on a regular basis. Additionally, it aids diabetic individuals in maintaining normal blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Some studies suggest that it might also help to lessen obesity.
Improves Immunity
The antioxidant content of black wheat flour is higher than that of conventional wheat, maintaining our antibodies and preventing the production of free radicals. They also guard against lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation. Because of its strong anti-inflammatory effects, cytokines—small proteins that control our immune system—are produced more often.
Supports Heart Health
Black wheat has great heart-health benefits thanks to its unsaturated fatty acids. As a result, those who are prone to heart conditions or other cardiovascular issues can incorporate this super grain into their regular diet. Additionally, it lowers the risk of strokes and other cardiac diseases.
Aids With Weight Loss
Black wheat keeps you full and reduces cravings because of its high fibre content. Additionally, black wheat flour is ideal for those trying to reduce weight due to its low-fat content and unsaturated form.
Relieves Constipation
It helps optimal digestion and averts constipation and other gastrointestinal diseases because of its high fibre content. Additionally, because it lessens undesirable desires, problems like constipation are significantly diminished.
Difference Between White and Black Wheat Flour
The main distinction between the two varieties of wheat is their anthocyanin content. Anthocyanin is present in regular wheat grains in amounts of about five parts per million (ppm). The black wheat grain, on the other hand, has between 100 and 200 ppm. In this sense, it is a better option because consuming more antioxidants helps the body get rid of harmful pollutants and free radicals, improving the health of the body as a whole. Additionally, black wheat has 35% more zinc than conventional wheat, which enhances the body's immune and metabolic processes. Additionally, standard wheat types have an iron level of roughly 25%. Black wheat, in contrast, has 60% more iron, which significantly raises the body's levels of hormones and haemoglobin.
How To Include In Your Diet
Almost all foods made with white flour, maida, besan, or components of a same kind may be made with black wheat flour. It can be used to make rotis, cookies, idlis, chillas, and chapatis.
