Properties of Poha: 

Poha might have the following properties: 

• It might help lower cholesterol levels. 
• It might have cardio-protective properties. 
• It might act as a high energy source.  
• It might help in lowering blood pressure. 
• It might have antioxidant properties. 
• It might be good for digestion.  
• It might be helpful against cancer.

Potential uses of poha as an energy source: Nutrient-rich poha contains a large amount of energy-rich carbohydrates which provides nourishment to our bodies. It might help fuel the body with vigour and help in the functioning of brain. However, more research is needed to prove these effects of poha on the body.

Potential uses of poha for blood pressure: Flattened rice or poha is low in sodium which might be good for people with elevated blood pressure. It might help maintain normal blood pressure. However, these effects need to be further researched. Kindly consult a doctor if you notice fluctuations in blood pressure as it is a serious condition and needs expert medical advice.

Potential uses of poha for digestion : Poha might be good for loose motions. It might also be considered as a medicine for loose and watery stools with mucous (dysentery). The husk of rice, from which poha is prepared, might also help in formation and passing of urine by acting as a diuretic. In addition, poha might also help against indigestion, may increase appetite and be effective against other stomach conditions. This might be due to the presence of resistant starch in it, which does not get digested in the intestine, ferments and might increase the good bacterial count in the intestines. This might further aid digestion and stop constipation. However, these effects need to be properly explored by scientific research. Therefore, kindly consult a doctor for digestive problems.

Potential uses of poha for cholesterol : Poha contains no fats in it. So, it might not increase cholesterol levels of the blood. Moreover, it contains resistant starch which is an indigestible substance similar to fibre, which might help lower the blood cholesterol level. However, the mechanism of action by which resistant starch lowers cholesterol needs to be further explored by research.

Potential uses of poha for cancer: Poha, like rice, contains insoluble fibre which might help against various kinds of cancer. The insoluble starch in poha might help in warding off cancer cells. However, much more comprehensive research is required on humans to prove this hypothesis.

Interactions with Other Drugs: Poha might interact with certain drugs and alter their activity. However, such reactions have not been explored scientifically. Therefore, there is a need for more research. So, if you are undergoing treatment for any condition and are on medication, you should ask your physician if it is safe for you to eat poha.