There are many different types of bread, which people make in different ways, using a variety of ingredients. Examples include whole-grain bread, sweetened bread, cornbread, leavened and unleavened bread, flatbread, sourdough, sprouted grain bread, soda bread, and many more.
Some types of bread are more nutritious than others, but how do people make a healthful choice?
This article looks at some aspects of bread that may make one type of bread more or less healthful than another.
Carbohydrates are the primary nutrient in bread. Carbohydrates provide the body with fuel.
Fruits, vegetables, beans, and minimally processed grains contain the most healthful dietary sources of carbohydrates. These foods also provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
People make packaged and presliced white bread from a highly processed, simple carbohydrate. It is quick and easy to digest but has little nutritional value.
Foods made from highly processed grains cause blood sugar to spike soon after eating. Frequent blood sugar spikes can eventually contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Processed carbs also lack fiber. As a result, a person will not feel full after eating them. They will crave more food again soon after, especially when the blood sugar drops.
