The monsoon season brings a welcome respite from the heat, but the high humidity and dampness can negatively impact our health, particularly our digestive system. The damp air encourages microbial growth, and our bodies' metabolism tends to slow down. To counteract this, it is essential to make mindful food choices, with your choice of flour playing a significant role.
The Best Atta for Rainy Season: Millets and Ancient Grains
Several flours are better suited for the monsoon season than regular whole wheat atta. These options are often richer in fiber, easier to digest, and packed with essential nutrients that support a healthy gut and immune system. Millets, in particular, are excellent choices during this time of year.
Khapli Atta (Emmer Wheat)
Khapli atta, or Emmer wheat, is an ancient grain known for its low gluten content and high fiber density. Unlike modern wheat, its unique gluten structure is easier to break down, which can significantly reduce bloating and digestive discomfort common during the rainy season. Khapli atta is also a rich source of antioxidants, magnesium, and iron. Its alkaline nature helps balance stomach acidity, promoting overall gut health. It can be used to make soft rotis, parathas, and even healthy baked snacks.
Bajra Atta (Pearl Millet)
Popular during the cooler months, bajra is a gluten-free flour with multiple health benefits. It is high in fiber, iron, and protein, making it a satiating and nourishing choice. Bajra is known for generating body warmth, which is beneficial during the rainy season. Its high fiber content aids digestion, ensuring a healthy gut. Bajra rotis or bhakris are comforting and wholesome options for a rainy day meal.
Jowar Atta (Sorghum)
Jowar is another excellent gluten-free millet flour to incorporate into your monsoon diet. It is a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and minerals like magnesium and iron. Jowar is easy to digest and helps regulate blood sugar levels, preventing the post-meal sluggishness that can be common in humid weather. You can use jowar atta to prepare rotis, dosas, or even pancakes.
Multigrain Atta for Enhanced Nutrition
A multigrain atta can be a great option, combining the benefits of several grains into one flour. Look for blends that include flours like jowar, bajra, ragi, and chickpeas alongside whole wheat. The combination of different grains provides a wider spectrum of nutrients, including more fiber and protein, which can help support digestion and keep you feeling full and energetic. Many pre-made blends, like Himalayan Chef's Diet Atta, include such ingredients. If you make your own, a simple mix of whole wheat, jowar, and bajra is a great starting point.
Comparison of Atta for Rainy Season
| Feature | Khapli Atta | Bajra Atta | Jowar Atta | Regular Whole Wheat Atta |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digestion | Easy to digest due to low gluten content. | High fiber content aids digestion. | Excellent for digestion; gluten-free. | Can cause heaviness or bloating in some people during monsoon. |
| Fiber | Rich in dietary fiber. | High in fiber. | Good source of fiber. | Contains fiber, but some can find it harder to digest in humid weather. |
| Nutrients | Iron, magnesium, B vitamins, antioxidants. | Iron, Omega-3, protein. | Magnesium, iron, antioxidants. | Standard B vitamins, iron, and other minerals. |
| Best For | Daily rotis, parathas, baking. | Bhakris, warming meals. | Rotis, dosas, pancakes. | Everyday use, but might cause discomfort in sensitive individuals during monsoon. |
| Gluten | Low gluten, easier for sensitive guts. | Gluten-free. | Gluten-free. | Contains gluten. |
Which Atta Should You Avoid?
While certain flours are beneficial, some should be limited during the rainy season to prevent digestive issues. Refined flours like maida, used in many fried street foods, are difficult to digest and can lead to bloating and gut discomfort. Moreover, the high humidity can affect the fermentation process of batters, making fermented foods like idli and dosa unreliable and potentially causing acidity.
Practical Tips for Flour Storage in Monsoon
The most important aspect of using any atta during the rainy season is proper storage, as moisture can lead to mold and insects.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer flour from its original packaging into a clean, dry, airtight steel or food-grade plastic container immediately.
- Add Natural Repellents: Place a few dried bay leaves, cloves, or neem leaves inside the container. Their strong aroma and antibacterial properties naturally deter pests.
- Store in a Dry, Cool Place: Avoid storing flour near heat sources like the stove or in a damp, unventilated cupboard. For long-term storage, keeping it in the refrigerator can be an effective strategy.
- Buy in Small Batches: Purchase smaller quantities of flour during the monsoon to ensure it is used quickly and remains fresh.
- Never Mix Old and New: Always finish the old batch of flour before adding new flour to the container to prevent contamination.
Conclusion
For a healthy and comfortable rainy season, making a conscious choice about your atta is paramount. Ancient grains and millets like Khapli, Bajra, and Jowar are superior to regular wheat due to their easy digestibility, high fiber content, and nutrient density. They are better equipped to support your digestive system when it is most vulnerable. By combining these healthier choices with proper storage techniques, you can enjoy nourishing, warm, and delicious homemade meals throughout the monsoon while keeping health issues at bay. Choosing the right atta is a small change that can make a big difference in how your body handles the seasonal shift. To explore organic Khapli atta, consider visiting Two Brothers Organic Farms for high-quality options.
