
Poha Calories And Nutritional Value Per 100g
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- Last update: 19 March 2025

Poha exists as an Indian breakfast classic because of its light nature and simple preparation method which Indians have enjoyed for generations. The northwest Indian state of Maharashtra created the original version of this food before Indian people from all regions adapted different interpretations. Poha food in Maharashtra remains timeless through Kanda Poha while Indori Poha unites sweet and savory visits from Maharashtra. The dish stands as a superior solution to acquire quick nutritious food. Consuming poha brings a delicious moderate taste that offers a mouthful of satisfying texture making it an inviting choice as morning food. Research shows that poha has benefits for weight loss diet strategies. Let’s explore its benefits in detail!
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat Is Poha?
The quick cooking nature of flattened rice in Poha ensures a flavorful meal. People prepare poha by combining mustard seeds with curry leaves and turmeric and green chillies and onions before serving it with fresh coriander and squeezed lemon for taste enhancement. Poha cuisine offers two popular variations where peanuts add crunchiness and coconut brings richness to the dish.
Beyond breakfast, poha is used in snacks like chivda or sweet poha ladoos and even modern fusion bowls. Nutritionally, it’s a gentle powerhouse: easy to digest, rich in iron, and low in calories.
Types Of Poha: Red Rice Poha vs. White Poha
The market offers two main poha products which are White Poha and Red Rice Poha. The production methods and nutritional composition alongside texture elements make white poha and red rice poha different from each other although they share a common base of flattened rice.
Red Rice Poha
The manufacturing process of Red Rice Poha includes keeping the bran on red rice which creates its reddish hue as well as its gentle nutty taste. The less processing process in Red Rice Poha results in a higher nutrient content which includes iron and fibre as well as antioxidants. The high content of fiber in this product works as a satiety agent that helps maintain weight management goals without side effects. Its dense texture stands out from standard white poha so people utilize this ingredient in dishes that support wellness.
White Poha
White Poha serves as the widely popular rice product since it originates from polished white rice. The traditional poha recipes utilize white poha because its soft texture allows excellent flavour absorption. White rice poha tastes fine during digestion yet it requires short cooking time yet provides fewer nutrients compared to red rice poha. The nutritional value of white poha consists of carbohydrates which give energy to the body.
Which One Should You Choose?
The higher nutrient content combined with more fibre exists in Red Rice Poha in comparison to White Rice Poha. White Poha stands out as an excellent alternative for those seeking fast cooking and delicate texture despite its lesser nutritional content unlike Red Rice Poha. Your nutrition needs together with your preference for taste will determine whether you should consume Red Rice Poha or White Poha.
Nutritional Value of Poha
Poha contains fundamental nutrients along with carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and plenty of fibre. The nutritional breakdown of Poha below shows this value for every 100 grams:
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Energy | 110 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 23 g |
Protein | 2.5 g |
Fat | 1 g |
Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g |
Iron | 0.7 mg |
Magnesium | 20 mg |
Phosphorus | 60 mg |
Potassium | 70 mg |
Sodium | 5 mg |
Zinc | 0.4 mg |
Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
Folate (B9) | 20 µg |
The table shows that poha offers essential vitamins and minerals combined with a low calorie content that makes it suitable for breakfast and healthy snacking.
How Many Calories Are in 100g Of Poha?
Plain poha has 110-130 calories per 100g portion but the calorie count changes based on its thickness and production methods. The total calories increase according to the way poha is prepared. All ingredients added to oil-cooked peanuts will cause an increase in overall calorie content.
People following a weight-loss diet should consume daily poha portions from 100 to 150 grams. One cup of poha delivers between 150 to 200 calories to the consumer.
Poha that maintains calorie awareness includes minimal oil together with numerous vegetables and lean protein components like sprouts or paneer to achieve both nutritional benefits and great flavour.
Health Benefits of Poha
The delicious breakfast food of poha contains essential nutrients which provide positive effects on human health. Poha serves multiple beneficial health functions because it helps control weight while aiding digestion and maintaining consistent energy production. The combination of carbohydrates and fibre with vitamins and minerals in poha supports health promotion without burdening the digestive system. Understanding the primary health advantages poha provides becomes clear through an examination of its nutritional benefits for daily consumption. Here are some health benefits:
- Capable of Weight Management While Remaining Light Due to Its 110-130 Calorie Count Per 100 Grams. Poha Serves as a Great Choice for Weight Control. The combination of small amounts of oil with many vegetables in this dish creates an excellent low-calorie dinner option.
- The breakfast dish poha passes through our digestive system easily and creates no stomach trouble which makes it convenient for people who have sensitive digestive systems.
- Healthy complex carbohydrates in Poha supply their energy release gradually so you stay active all day without sugar peaks.
- Poha possesses high iron content which fights off anaemia because frequent consumption supports healthy hemoglobin maintenance especially for children and women. Iron absorption increases when poha receives lemon juice as an addition.
- The fibre in poha helps maintain your fullness and suppresses hunger cravings thereby being an ideal food choice for weight management.
- People with gluten sensitivities can enjoy poha since it contains no gluten therefore providing a harmless and digestible alternative.
- People with diabetics can safely consume poha because its low glycaemic index causes sugar release at a controlled rate through the bloodstream.
- The high fibre content of Red Rice Poha supports metabolism while also enhancing digestion process. The digestive health of your stomach benefits from turmeric and curry leaves during nutrient absorption.
Is Poha Good For Weight Loss?
Yes! A healthy preparation of poha serves as an excellent food choice for weight loss. Eating poha provides multiple benefits since it contains low calories and high fibre content along with easy digestion properties. Poha contains complex carbohydrates which give enduring energy without triggering blood sugar peaks. Choose red rice poha and use small amounts of oil to prepare poha while adding plenty of vegetables which increase its fiber content and nutritional value.
Which is the Best Time to Eat Poha
Poha shines as its best consumption point during the morning meal which offers sustained energy alongside easy absorption. Consumed before workouts poha serves as immediate energy fuel while it also functions as a suitable mid-morning meal due to its efficient digestion properties. People can have poha for their lunch while consuming it as evening snacks by processing it with veggies along with high-protein ingredients such as paneer and sprouts. Eating poha late at night is not recommended because its carbohydrates might convert improperly into energy resulting in weight gain.
Also Read: 10 Health Benefits Of Anjeer And How to Eat?
Conclusion
The basic nutritious dish Poha provides a combination of deliciousness along with nutritional benefits. This food item features a delicate texture with straightforward digestion and lots of essential nutrients which makes it a perfect dietary choice. Poha works as an appropriate choice for a speedy breakfast or satisfying snack or dietary meal that aids weight control. This dish proves to be a wholesome meal that provides satisfaction when prepared using small amounts of oil while including enough vegetables.
FAQs on Poha Calories and Nutritional Value
Is poha good to eat daily?
Yes, poha is light, nutritious, and safe to eat daily as part of a balanced diet.
How much poha should be eaten daily to lose weight?
The portion depends on your calorie needs and activity level. Pairing it with protein and fibre can support weight loss, but moderation is key.
Is poha a breakfast food?
Yes, poha is a popular and healthy breakfast option that provides sustained energy without being heavy.
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