05.16.2018

Which Types of Bread Are Healthiest to Eat?

Which Types of Bread Are Healthiest?

Contributor Article by Dixie Somers

“Dixie Somers is a freelance writer and blogger for business, home, and family niches. Dixie lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and is the proud mother of three beautiful girls and wife to a wonderful husband.”

Bread is one of the most well-loved foods around the world. It is enjoyed in a variety of ways since ancient times, this filling food keeps hunger at bay, feeds the masses and can be full of amazing nutrition. However, not all bread is created equal, and consumers must be continually wary of what they pick up off their local grocery store’s shelves. Rather than mindlessly choosing a cheap option, consider eating one of these five bread types instead, and see how it affects your health.

100 Percent Whole Grain Bread

While you may jump at any bag of bread that boasts “wheat” across its packaging, many of these breads are not as healthy as you might think. While they are made from wheat, many are made only of enriched white wheat, which has virtually no nutritional qualities. Even those that do say they have whole wheat are often not 100 percent whole wheat. Instead, look for “100 Percent Whole Wheat” on the packaging and always read the ingredient label for added ingredients, such as excessive sugar.

Sprouted Whole Grain Bread

Sprouted whole grains are becoming increasingly popular these days because sprouted grains do not raise the blood sugar so high and so quickly as non-sprouted grains do. You may be able to absorb more nutrients from sprouted grains while getting less gluten.

Sourdough Bread

Sourdough bread is also easier to digest for many people. This is because the sourdough starter is fermented, which breaks down much of the gluten, making the bread easier for your digestive tract to absorb. Plus, sourdough is associated with more stable blood sugar levels when compared to wheat bread.

Organic Bread

With so many changes to the food supply these days, it is always best to choose organic bread from a bakery like Klosterman Baking Company whenever possible. This way, you will know that the ingredients in your bread were grown without pesticides, radiation or synthetic fertilizers. This means that the ingredients stay truer to the way that nature intended them to be.

Gluten-Free Bread

Gluten-free bread is a must-have for individuals who are sensitive to gluten or who have Celiac disease. Gluten sensitivity can create stomach cramping and pain along with other digestive issues. While gluten-free bread was once hard to find and not very tasty, many brands have now perfected their ingredient lists, making their bread have much the same texture and flavor as compared to gluten-filled breads.

Although bread has fed the masses for millennia, it has recently come under fire for being the cause of empty calories and weight gain in some developed countries. However, when you choose a healthy bread type and eat it in moderation, you do not have to feel guilty about these healthy carbohydrates because they are nourishing your body from the inside out. Be sure to look for minimally processed grains and few added ingredients in any bread that you choose.