Sourdough Bread
Sourdough is made by fermenting flour and water rather than using yeast. The fermentation process may make some nutrients more available in the bread. There usually isn't added sugar either. Sourdough seems to have health benefits beyond just providing energy from carbohydrates.
Scientists, nutritionists, and health experts all agree that naturally-fermented sourdough bread is healthier than 'regular' white or whole wheat bread – for a multitude of reasons! Sourdough is more nutritious, easier to digest, and has a lower glycemic index. Sourdough also contains less gluten than other bread.
For a great-tasting loaf without any sugar, pick up some Nature's Own Life 100% Whole Grain Sugar-Free Bread. Packed with whole grains, it's a good source of fiber with 11 grams of whole grain in every slice.
The vast majority of the evidence supports the latest US Dietary Guidelines, which state that a “healthy” 1,800-to-2,000-calorie diet could include six slices of bread a day—including up to three slices of “refined-grain” white bread.
"Bread that is made with enriched or white flour lacks nutritional value," says Ehsani. "When bread is made with refined flour, the germ (the healthy fat) and the bran (fiber) is removed along with some vitamins and minerals too."
Fiber in Whole Wheat and Whole Grain Bread
Along with vitamins and minerals, the whole grain also contains fiber and fiber plays a critical role in slowing digestion which can prevent overeating and, thus, high fiber bread can be helpful for weight loss.
Sourdough bread contains higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than other breads. It also contains lower levels of phytate and therefore allows your body to absorb the nutrients it contains more easily than those in regular bread.
The highly processed flour and additives in white, packaged bread can make it unhealthful. Consuming too much white bread can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Toasting bread also lowers the amount of fat in a toast. Though the fat in the bread will not be lowered significantly, it will definitely make a difference if you eat bread every day. Weight watchers should also choose toasted bread over raw bread.
Three dietitians told Insider they enjoy bread every day, and that you can include it in your diet even if you're trying to eat healthier by opting for whole grain varieties with nutritious toppings like eggs, avocado, and salmon.
Bread is high in carbs, low in micronutrients, and its gluten and antinutrient contents may cause issues for some people. Still, it's often enriched with extra nutrients, and whole-grain or sprouted varieties may bestow several health benefits. In moderation, bread can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.
Keri Says: Though it's comparable to a regular slice of white bread in the amount of calories, carbs and fiber, sourdough is lower in sugar and higher in protein, which gives it a leg up. Traditional white bread is usually made with sugar, canola oil, and dried, preserved yeast to leaven the dough.
It's called Irish Soda Bread because it's made with baking soda instead of yeast. Because of this, it's more dense than your everyday white sandwich bread.
Hero Bread™ Sliced White Bread — Delicious Bread with 0g Net Carb, 0g Sugar, 45 Calories, 10g Fiber per Slice | Tastes Like Regular Bread | Low Carb & Keto Friendly Bread Loaf —15 Slices/Loaf, 2 Loaves.
The Healthier Choice: Multigrain
Both loaves have about 80 calories, negligible fat, and 3 grams of protein per slice, but the multigrain delivers about two times more fiber than the sourdough. Make it into a sandwich and you've nabbed about a quarter of your recommended daily fiber intake. Power food indeed.
The bottom line. Sourdough is a healthier alternative to regular white or whole wheat bread. Although it has comparable nutrients, the lower phytate levels mean it is more digestible and nutritious. The prebiotics also help to keep your gut bacteria happy, and it may be less likely to spike blood sugar levels.
Sourdough bread is a healthy bread that may be easier for people to digest than other types of bread. The fermented starter culture contains beneficial bacteria and yeasts. People with digestive conditions such as IBS may find that sourdough bread causes fewer symptoms than regular bread.
It should be whole-grain flour, sprouted whole-grain flour, or whatever fancy whole-grain flour you're a fan of. Organic is ideal as well. - Simple ingredient list: The most wholesome breads have just five ingredients: Whole-wheat flour, water, yeast, salt, and a natural sweetener, such as honey.
Cutting out bread and other foods containing wheat should not harm your health, if you do it properly. Wheat is one of our staple foods, and lots of wheat products, such as breakfast cereals, are fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Reducing carbs can help some people, but you don't need to cut out bread to lose weight. Though bread is often demonized as "fattening," this isn't true, Tai Ibitoye, a dietitian, told Insider, and you don't need to cut it out of your diet to lose weight.