by Staff of NYCHolistic.com

It’s actually the opposite and is deceiving to the consumer.  Most consumers believe “Enriched” means we are getting more when in reality we get less and it causes us more harm.  

What is Enriched Flour?                
To make whole grain wheat flour “enriched,” manufacturers strip out 11 core nutrients and then add synthetic chemicals that represent only four vitamins and one mineral.  Let’s do the nutritional math:
Whole Grain Wheat Flour – 11 Core Nutrients + 5 Synthetic Chemicals (4 Vitamins & 1 Mineral)= “Enriched” Flour

It doesn’t seam like this is the “right” answer that would be acceptable in school.  You may wonder why they go through all the work to strip out these nutrients.  The main reason this is done is to increase shelf-life. Longer shelf-life increases the products chance of being sold which increases profits.  That’s right – bugs even avoid this product because they will die if they eat it!  Yet we consume it almost everyday.

How Does It Affect My Health?
Whole grains are already rich in dietary fiber, protein, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.  When you eat whole grain with all its nutrients, this allows energy to be time-released into your system throughout the day. In return, your body is able to break down and utilize the ingredients.  Whole grains actually help prevent diabetes, some forms of cancer, coronary artery disease and obesity. With Enriched Flour robbing you of these 11 nutrients, a rush of energy/sugar floods your system all at once. 
Your body works overtime to absorb the excess and stores it as fat.  These high and low sugar levels actually cause type II diabetes and obesity.  

What Foods Should I Avoid?
Eat real, 100% whole-grain wheat flour!  It is important that the ingredient reads “Whole-Grain Wheat” and not “Wheat Flour” or “Enriched Wheat Flour.”  Food manufacturers want you to believe eating wheat flour is good for you, when in reality it goes through the same nutrient-zapping process as enriched flour.

Other ingredients to avoid are:
• “White Flour”
• “All-Purpose Flour”
• “Bleached Flour”
• “Cake Flour”
• “Bread Flour”

Foods that commonly contain enriched flour include:
• Bread
• Pasta
• Chicken Nuggets (breaded)
• Pizza
• Pie Crust
• Crackers
• Cake
• Cookies
• Brownies
• Pretzels
• Donuts 
 
The good news is that some manufacturers have started making these products without enriched flour. You just have to take the time to seek them out.  Once you know which products offer better ingredients, going to the grocery store becomes easier with each trip.

Recap
Eating enriched flour robs your body of vital nutrients that help prevent disease.  In return, you get a product that actually causes disease, all for the sake of increased shelf live.  If you want the best ingredients for you and your family, only purchase true whole-grain wheat products.

RECOMMENDATION:  ALWAYS READ YOUR INGREDIENTS!
Don’t be fooled by what is labeled on the outside of the package.  A good rule of thumb is if you don’t know what the ingredient is or can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it!  Food should be made with real ingredients that you are familiar with and can understand. 

Resources:
http://www.balilifeofleisure.com/weight-loss-help-enriched-flour-%E2%80%93-bad-whole-grain-%E2%80%93-good.html

http://www.ecomii.com/blogs/food/2009/03/02/why-enriched-flour-is-such-a-poor-choice

http://www.articlepros.com/food_and_beverage/baking/article-4084.html

http://www.totalhealthbreakthroughs.com/2007/08/the-hoax-of-enriched-wheat-flour

Tags: chemicals in food, enriched flour, food additives, holistic nutrition, nutrients of enriched flour