Poor bread has copped a lot of flack in recent years, given the rising prevalence of gluten-free eating. But is bread really that bad for you (if you don't have an intolerance of course)?
Why is bread the enemy?
Bread has been a dietary staple – the basis of every meal – for eons, as it's easy to eat, is inexpensive, and fills you up pretty quickly. In fact, humans have been eating it since the Roman Empire!
But recently, bread has been getting a bad wrap (pun intended).
Why?
Here are a few reasons why people shun bread:
- Wheat or gluten intolerance
- To lose weight, since some bread can be very high in calories and sugar
- It can have little nutritional value (especially white bread)
- To minimise bloating
Some people are also wary of their carbohydrate intake, believing that too many carbs lead to weight gain. So they cut out bread to stay slim. In fact, one UK article reports that 43 percent of women avoid bread when trying to lose weight.
Reasons to eat bread
Let's go back to basics for a moment. We all need carbohydrates for our bodies to function properly. Our bodies prefer carbs for fuel – and if we don't get enough, we start running on empty and can soon burn out.
But it's important to choose the right fuel. Opt for 'simple' sugary carbs like white bread, pasta, and cakes, and you'll find that energy spike is quickly followed by a slump. Choose more complex carbohydrates – such as fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, and legumes – and you'll feel fuller for longer and burn that fuel at a slower rate.
Choosing the best bread
So when eating carbs, it's all about choosing the best for your body. Skip the white bread, since almost all the fibre, vitamins, and minerals have been removed during the production process. And instead, fill up on healthier whole grains that retain the fibre and grain seed.
Eat the right type of bread and carbs and you can enjoy a whole host of health benefits including a healthier heart, improved digestion, and stable energy – as well as a big serving of vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
Ask your nutritionist or dietitian for healthier bread options for your dietary needs.
Originally published on Apr 11, 2016
