Why is enriched flour so bad for us?

Yesterday I posted a picture in my insta story of the horrible ingredients of store bought goldfish. The

main ingredient is enriched flour. Doesn’t sound too concerning, right? Let’s take a closer look. Here’s why we moms (and actually everyone on this planet!) should avoid buying enriched flour products. It’s because it’s a highly processed ingredient that lacks the natural nutrients of whole grains and can contribute to health issues, especially for children.

Here’s why:

1. Stripped of Nutrients

Enriched flour starts as refined white flour, which means the bran and germ (the most nutritious parts of the wheat) have been removed. This process strips away fiber, vitamins, and minerals, leaving behind mostly starch.

2. Synthetic Additives

Since refining removes key nutrients, manufacturers add synthetic versions of iron, B vitamins (like folic acid), and sometimes calcium. However, these synthetic nutrients don’t absorb as well as those found naturally in whole foods.

3. Blood Sugar Spikes

Enriched flour has a high glycemic index, which means it quickly converts to sugar in the bloodstream. This can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to:

• Energy crashes

• Increased cravings

• Mood swings

• Higher risk of insulin resistance over time

4. Gut Health Concerns

Since enriched flour is low in fiber, it doesn’t support digestion or gut health. Fiber is essential for feeding beneficial gut bacteria, keeping digestion regular, and preventing constipation.

5. May Contain Harmful Additives

Many products made with enriched flour contain preservatives, emulsifiers, and hidden sugars that can negatively impact kids’ health. These additives can contribute to:

• Hyperactivity

• Digestive issues

• Inflammation

6. Often Made from Pesticide-Sprayed Wheat

Unless it’s organic, enriched flour likely comes from wheat treated with glyphosate (a pesticide linked to health concerns).

Healthier Alternatives

Instead of enriched flour, we can choose:

✔️ Organic whole grain flour (like organic whole wheat, spelt, or einkorn if gluten tolerated)

✔️ Gluten-free alternatives (like almond flour, rice, sorghum, coconut flour, or cassava flour)

✔️ Sprouted grains (which improve nutrient absorption)