As food has become
more and more processed and mass-produced, bread has become less
nutritious. Whereas "rustic" bread is made with whole grains which are
comprised of complex carbohydrates, the advent of "white bread" -
clearly the most popular type of bread eaten in America today - has
removed all of the vitamins and nutrients from the equation, since white
bread is made only with refined flour. This refined flour also lacks
the necessary fiber needed for people to keep their blood sugar and
digestive system properly regulated.
Additionally, it isn't only
what white bread lacks, but also what it contains that can be dangerous
to your health. Mass production of these breads often requires the use
of added hydrogenated fats that can lead to heart disease. This,
combined with other additives and preservatives, make white bread
healthy and unnatural.
The good news is that rustic, high fiber
breads have never disappeared from the local grocery store or bakery,
and now the rising popularity of eating whole grain foods is bringing
high fiber bread back into the public eye. Browse the bakery section of
your local supermarket or bakery and you'll find plenty of high fiber
options alongside white breads. Any bread or rolls labeled as "wheat,"
"rye," "multi-grain," or "pumpernickel" indicate the use of unrefined
flour of some sort. Also, some white breads will also be labeled as
"whole grain." These white breads have been baked using white flour that
still contains some remnant of the grain itself, or they have nutrients
added into the flour mixture.
In an effort to keep up with this high Fiber Diet,
mass-produced white bread manufacturers have begun to offer high fiber
alternatives to their normal line of bread products. While these breads
do have an improved fiber content, many of them still contain high
levels of preservatives and chemicals, unlike freshly baked high fiber
bread. Also, high fiber breads are typically of a much different
consistency, with thicker crusts than processed white bread.
Whether
you choose to purchase high fiber breads from a bakery or opt for a
high fiber white bread, it is advisable to make this switch in your
daily diet. Rather than turning to sugar in your bloodstream, high
fiber, multi-grain breads will control your blood sugar and make you
feel more energetic throughout the day.
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