Navratri festival and buckwheat flour
The festival of Navratri has begun, in which devotees worship Goddess Durga in her nine different forms. During this time many people observe fast, and especially the demand for buckwheat flour increases. Devotees like to eat puris, pakodas and chiles made from buckwheat flour. However, being careless in eating it can have adverse effects on health.
Danger of food poisoning
There can be a risk of food poisoning by eating buckwheat flour. If you are consuming it during Navratri fast, then it is important to keep some important things in mind. Information on this subject has been obtained from dietitian Surbhi Verma.
Things to keep in mind while buying buckwheat flour
Keep these things in mind while buying buckwheat flour:
- It is important to see the color of the flour. Buy flour that is gray or brown in color, while do not buy it if it is black or yellow in color. If the flour smells bad, do not buy it. Spoiled flour can cause allergies, shortness of breath and gas formation. Pay attention to the packing date of packaged flour.
- Keep the flour in a clean, dry and airtight container. This will not create moisture. Sieve the flour before use. If insects or dirt are visible in it, do not use it.
- Buy flour only as per requirement, because buckwheat flour spoils quickly.
Why do people get sick?
The buckwheat flour available in the market is adulterated. People fall ill due to mixing new flour with old flour. Moisture quickly forms in buckwheat flour, due to which bacteria start growing. Its consumption can cause problems like stomach ache, diarrhea and vomiting.
Why does buckwheat flour spoil quickly?
Buckwheat flour contains fat, which oxidizes when it comes in contact with air. It contains enzymes like lipase and lipoxygenase, which help in the breakdown of fat. The risk of bacteria growth increases when there is moisture, hence one should avoid keeping it in hot, rainy and humid places.
Buckwheat Flour Substitutes
What to eat instead of buckwheat flour:
- Consume options like water chestnut flour, rajgira flour, sama rice, potato, curd, makhana and sago. All these are rich in nutrition and maintain energy in the body.
- Check the quality of buckwheat flour before using it.
- Consume fruits and nuts.
- Keep drinking adequate amount of water so that there is no problem of dehydration.