What is sourdough bread? Sourdough is a leavened bread, which means the dough naturally rises as a result of gas which is produced as the grain ferments. While most commercial breads use baker's yeast as the raising agent, sourdough is made using a sourdough starter.
Sourdough is naturally leavened bread, which means it doesn't use commercial yeast to rise. Instead, it uses a 'starter' – a fermented flour and water mixture that contains wild yeast and good bacteria – to rise. This also produces the tangy flavour and slightly chewy texture you'll find in sourdough.
The Bottom Line. Sourdough has made a comeback—and for good reason. It's packed with nutrients, healthy carbs, protein, fiber, iron and vitamins like folate. It can improve digestion, lower chronic disease risk and even promote healthy aging.
Sourdough bread's benefits range from reducing the risk of heart disorders to promoting nutrient absorption. It has a low glycemic index and is a good bread option for those watching their after-meal blood sugar spikes. However, overindulging in it may lead to gas and bloating due to its fermented nature.
A standard sourdough loaf is made from two simple ingredients, flour and water – or three, if you add salt. So standard sourdough isn't keto, because standard, all-purpose flour is made from grain (usually wheat), meaning it's high-carb . Therefore, anyone following a strict ketogenic diet should avoid it.
Whole wheat bread in actuality contains more resistant starch than sourdough bread, and also has more fibre, meaning it is friendlier to the gut and easier to digest. However, sourdough bread contains more nutrients and minerals, and also contains antioxidants (which wholemeal bread doesn't).
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.
How much sourdough bread is a healthy amount to consume in a day? It is currently recommended to consume 6 servings of grains per day. One sourdough slice of bread is equal to one serving.
Sourdough bread may be good for cholesterol in some people. In one study, participants saw a reduction in serum cholesterol from sourdough bread, while others did not see meaningful effects.
Sourdough bread will last for around 3 to 5 days if wrapped and stored correctly. But to enjoy sourdough at its best, it's recommended to consume it within 24 hours. This way you can enjoy that crispy crust and soft, airy interior at its best.
Sourdough bread has been popular for centuries – and for very good reason too! But did you know that it also makes great toast? And there are all kinds of other things you can do with sourdough too.
You would need to do specific detailed calculations for an accurate measure, however, on average 2 slices of sourdough bread weighing 64g each will contain around 348 calories.
Can you freeze sourdough bread? Yes, to freeze: (1) Slice bread or leave loaf whole; (2) Wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place in heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze.
Whole grain bread is the healthiest pick for weight. It provides you with the nutrition of several whole grains like oats, barley, corn and others. Whole grain means whole kernel -the bran, germ and endosperm, which makes them highly nutritious.
Sourdough is a low-gluten bread. It also contains lower levels of fructans, another substance that can cause unpleasant digestive symptoms in some people. This can make sourdough a better option for people with IBS, gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity.
Sourdough bread doesn't contain sugar, while ordinary sandwich bread often does. Otherwise, the macronutrients depend on the kind of flour used. Whole wheat flour will generally contain more fiber than white flour. Enriched flour will also have vitamins and minerals to offer.
In addition, sourdough fermentation increases the presence of bioactive components with various functions, including antioxidant, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory activities [10,11].
Pros: For many, sourdough is easier to digest and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Cons: Sourdough is a calorie dense bread, meaning it can be hard to maintain your weight.
People with a gluten intolerance may find that sourdough is easier to digest, but people with celiac disease will likely still experience symptoms if they eat sourdough bread. If you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, consult with your physician before adding sourdough bread to your diet.
For the healthiest sourdough bread, choose a variety made with whole wheat flour. Not only will you soak up the bread's natural probiotics, you'll get extra fiber, protein, and minerals, too. You can also make your own sourdough bread at home.