Do you frequently consume bread? As it is convenient, tasty, and nutritious, bread has been a staple food for people worldwide. However, there has been debate on whether it is healthy to consume bread regularly.
There is no one answer to this question as there are different types of bread, and it can be prepared using different ingredients. Some bread is healthier and more nutritious than others.
For example, whole-grain Norwegian bread may be healthier than sweetened bread filled with sugar and butter. This article will run you through the aspects of bread that may make it more or less healthful than another.
Understanding Whole Grains
Whole grain bread contains the entire bran, germ, and endosperm of the germ. They are different from refined grains, where the bran and germ portions have been removed.
Whole grains are rich in naturally occurring nutrients and boost overall health. Adding more whole grains to your diet can help reduce the risk of developing obesity and other chronic diseases.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), whole grains are rich in B vitamins, protein, iron, magnesium, selenium, and dietary fiber. This can be a great addition to your diet to make part of the recommended 25 grams of dietary fiber needed daily.
Why Refined Flour May Be Bad
Refined flour is the highest refined carbohydrate found in any food. It lacks the bran and germ in the whole grains, which provides nutrients and fiber.
Refined flour is usually used as it has a more delicate, lighter texture and longer shelf life. However, this processed flour removes the fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Instead, there are only easily digestible carbohydrates.
Research has shown that people who consume refined carbohydrates (white bread, cakes, cookies, etc.) may increase their risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. This can also lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Identifying Bread That Is Not Healthful
Bread that makes use of highly processed flours and additives can be unhealthy. However, not everything labeled “whole” is a healthy product either. It is best to look for whole-grain bread with fewer preservatives, added salts, and sugars.
These preservatives are added to bread to prolong its shelf life, but you can also get fresh bread with fewer preservatives and keep it fresh in your freezer or refrigerator.
You may want to avoid bread with corn syrup or ingredients ending in “-ose,” such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose.
Choosing Healthier Bread
You will want to look for whole-grain bread rich in protein, fiber, vitamin C, folate, and other nutrients. Some pieces of bread are made with high fiber grains and no flour.
Should You Avoid Gluten?
If you have a gluten allergy or are intolerant to gluten, it is best to avoid it altogether. People with celiac disease may have a severe autoimmune reaction to gluten, making eating gluten very dangerous.
If you don’t have a gluten allergy, it can also be healthful to avoid consuming gluten to decrease the risk of developing heart disease.
Conclusion
There is not always a straightforward answer to the question, “Is bread healthy?” However, you can make a more educated decision on what to eat by knowing the difference between whole-grain and white bread. Before purchasing your next cinnamon roll bread, it is best to be more aware of what is in your food.
There are many health benefits of eating whole-grain bread that contains vitamins, minerals, nutritional fiber, and protein. You can also look for less processed bread packed with protein and fiber.
Are you looking for some healthy Norwegian baked goods in Centennial, CO? Drop by Ana’s Norwegian Bakeri. We have a variety of tasty and healthy treats. Check out our collection today!