Poha, also called as flattened rice or beaten rice, is one of the most versatile carbohydrate rich delicacy native to Indian cuisines. Be it the famous aloo poha or a simple coconut and jaggery infused poha of the Tamil Iyers, this rice based cereal option is a great way to pep up your breakfast. It is packed with nutrients. It can easily be tweaked into a delicacy to meet the requirements of your taste buds.
Light on your stomach and low on glycemic index, poha is a filling breakfast choice for many who are on a slimming regimen. They just fill you up when paired with the right choice of veggies and protein. Here is a sneak peek into some of health benefits poha has in store for our health. Just scroll down and start reading to know about this humble, yet versatile delicacy right away.
The Must Know Health Benefits of Eating Beaten Rice
- Easily digestible
If you are feeling bloated, then just chuck all your breakfast ideas out and opt for poha. It is easily digestible and helps in beating bloating too. Just toast your poha to golden brown and add it to yogurt. Add a little salt or chaat masala and a couple of slices of cucumber and carrot. Your breakfast is ready.
- Good source of energy
Breakfast, being the first meal of the day, should be a wonderful source of energy. And, poha meets this requirement. It will give you the energy essential to keep you going till you hit your snack break.
- Loaded with iron
Keep your iron deficiency away with poha a day. It is a good source of iron making it an effective foods for those with anemia. Since it can easily be digested and gives energy on an admirable level, doctors quite often advice pregnant and lactating women to include it in their diet by pairing it with jaggery and coconut.
- Rich with carbohydrates
Beaten rice, when compared to other options, is a healthier choice as carbohydrates. It is not just a good option for your breakfast but makes a great snack too. Just toast the poha in very little oil to golden. Roast a handful of peanuts. Toss both with little salt and red paprika flakes. Toast a little curry leaves and add to the poha-peanut mixture, sprinkle a pinch of asafetida, and toss well for even coating. A healthy snack is ready for your teatime.
- A natural source of low gluten meal
Gluten is quite often a hindrance when it comes to weight management. Poha has gluten in traceable amounts only. Hence, doctors advise people who have gluten tolerance to include poha in their diet as a substitute for whole wheat.
- Can be easily transformed into a complete meal
Add vegetables, peanuts, soy nuggets, sprouts or eggs to transform this simple, carbohydrate rich delicacy into a complete, well-balance meal option. It can easily be packed into your lunch box as a healthy lunch option. Choose the poha made from red rice for additional dose of health.
- Good for diabetics
It is a low glycemic index food which makes it diabetic friendly. Poha slows down the release of sugar into the blood, thereby enabling the curb unwanted surge of sugar. It will also keep the hunger pangs away, thus help in regulating insulin levels.
- Good for weight management
Free from saturated fat and cholesterol, poha comes sans of sodium too. Plus, it is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, vitamin A, and iron. When paired up with the right vegetables and protein, it make a filling, full meal that prevents you from overindulgence.
Calories in Poha
100 grams poha gives about 360 calories, with hardly 18 calories coming from fat.
Start including poha in your diet right away and reap its goodness.