What is the chief reason maida calories are often described as 'empty calories'?

They provide energy without necessary co-factors for healthy metabolic function

The term 'empty calories' applied to maida refers not to the absence of energy, but to the absence of the nutritional scaffolding required for the body to process that energy efficiently and support overall health. Because the refining process removes essential components like fiber, B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, the calories consumed from maida serve primarily as a quick energy source that demands a sharp insulin response without providing the necessary micronutrient co-factors. These missing elements hinder healthy metabolic function, meaning the energy delivered is not accompanied by the support structure needed for sustained wellness, unlike calories derived from whole foods.