Types of bread: Which ones to avoid?
Eating grain foods, like bread plays an important role in your diet by providing many nutrients, such as dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, that are vital for the health and maintenance of our bodies. You might have come across different types of bread and thought which ones of them is good for you and which ones to avoid?
Types of Bread and which is the most healthy one
There are various types of bread but here we will discuss the 4 most popular ones.
WHITE BREAD
The biggest difference between brown and white bread is its processing. Much like grains, the flour is more processed than in whole wheat bread. Basically, the germ and bran of the wheat grain are removed and only the white, starchy endosperm part is left, which is the least nutritious. White breads are also sold with added sugars (fructose corn syrup & refined sugar). Calorically, there isn’t a significant difference but based on nutrients, brown bread is far superior and beneficial for us.
Nutritional Value
Calories: 90
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 1g
WHOLEWHEAT
As mentioned above, in contrast to white bread, whole wheat bread during its processing has the germ and bran intact which means more nutrients. The real reason we are told to opt for naturally brown or dark colored food! Whole wheat also provides more fiber, protein, vitamin E & B, magnesium, manganese, iron, phosphorous, potassium, zinc and phytonutrients (plant lignans that protects us against breast cancer & heart disease.) Simply switching from white to whole wheat bread can lower heart disease risk by 20 percent.
Nutritional Value
Calories: 90
Protein: 3.5g
Carbs: 17g
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 2g
MULTIGRAIN:
So how does multigrain compare to whole wheat? Well, much like the name suggests, it contains many different types of grains as opposed to whole wheat bread. It includes oats, cornmeal, barley, wheat, millet, flax or others. Out of all the breads, multigrain contains the most fiber and if you don’t mind the earthiness of the bread, you can definitely add it to your diet!
Nutritional Value
Calories: 110
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 3g
HIGH PROTEIN BREAD:
High protein bread makes it easy to add protein to your diet without a fuss. It’s 100% natural and contains whole wheat, whey protein, oats, flaxseed, sunflower seed and millet. It tastes like a hybrid of multigrain + white bread. It’s also rich in omega 3 and essential amino acids. With 14g of protein and 12g carbs per slice, I get the perfect combination of both.
Nutritional Value
Calories: 130
Protein: 14g
Carbs: 12g
Fat: 3g
Fiber:2g
Types of bread and their Nutritional Value
White Bread | Whole Wheat | Multi Grain | Protein Bread | |
Calories: | 90 | 90 | 110 | 130 |
Protein: | 3g | 3.5g | 4g | 14g |
Carbs: | 18g | 17g | 20g | 12g |
Fat: | 1g | 1g | 1g | 3g |
Fiber: | 1g | 2g | 3g | 2g |
BREAD FUN FACTS:
- Did you know that Bread was often used as currency in times as far back as ancient Egypt?
- Bread is a source of complex carbohydrates. These nutrients are absorbed slowly and provide energy for hours.
- It is rich in B group vitamins that have energetic function.
- Bread consumption is important for people who have a lot of mental activity, people with stress and depression.
- Staple food that must be present in any healthy diet, specially for kids.
Overall, bread can have a place in your daily diet as long as you keep to a moderate intake. White, brown, or multigrain, consuming excessive amount of anything will hinder your progress. I suggest reviewing the nutrition label & ingredient list. Which is your favorite?
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