Why whole wheat bread isn't as healthy as you think


Most people are pretty aware that there is a conversation surrounding whole wheat bread versus white bread. If given a choice between whole wheat bread and white bread, most people would claim that the wholegrain bread is healthier than white bread, which is pretty much what’s commonly told. However, while it might taste amazing, it’s not as healthy as people are claiming.

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A four-year study has overhauled people’s beliefs

A study that took four years to complete delved into what actually made white bread less healthy than it’s whole wheat counterpart. After all, when people look at most diets, it seems as if every book claims that you need to avoid white bread at all costs as if it’s somehow destroying your body from the inside out, and that whole wheat is the far better option. But what drove people to believe that whole grain was better for your body than white bread?

What is the difference between whole grain and white bread?

One of the key differences between whole wheat and white bread is the way the grain is processed into flour. This is before the baking process has even started. It’s all about the way the grain is broken down, as the grains have nutrients in them that get separated, which is where the process of separating whole wheat bread from white bread. To make white flour, the inner and outer part of the grain is separated, removing some of the nutrients, whereas this doesn’t happen. This means that people believed wholegrain contained more fiber and vitamins than white, which it does, but there’s a problem.

The problem with whole grain bread

While whole grain bread may contain these nutrients, scientists have discovered that they don’t actually reach our body properly. What this means is, while the whole grain may contain the nutrients, including more fiber, it doesn’t actually contain enough for it to make a difference. Fiber is excellent for your body, and one of the benefits is that your body breaks down starches very slowly, making you feel fuller for longer as well as preventing sugar spikes. However, whole-wheat grain doesn’t contain enough for it to compare to white, according to the study.

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There is even an ‘anti-nutrient’ effect

According to the study, whole grain contains bran, which can apparently cause an anti-nutrient effect. What this means is that it can bind to nutrients or positive minerals, which in turn prevents them from being absorbed by the body. At this point, it feels like a massive battle with your body, but actually, it’s just showing you how white and whole-wheat bread are really not all that different.

Don’t bin your whole-wheat bread

Of course, the health benefits are not the only reason that people enjoy whole-wheat bread. It’s actually a preference for some people because it tastes fantastic. So, don’t forget that whole-wheat bread isn’t just there because it was perceived to be healthier, it’s also pleasant to have in general. However, it does mean that you don’t need to feel so guilty when you’re craving a nice, crusty, white loaf of bread, freshly cut to make a sandwich, or even to go with your smashed avocado.
While this may be an awkward battle between different bread types, some health professionals have suggested that going entirely bread-free is the way forward in a healthier lifestyle. However, giving it up can be tough, and challenging to replace, so bread in moderation is the way to go.

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