When comparing breads, whole grain (also known as whole wheat) deservedly gets the gold star of health. But now that we have fortified breads, the health experts at Examine.com argue that you can get the whiter variety along with near-equal health benefits. Here’s why.
Photo by Dave Pullig.
Whole wheat bread tends to have a higher fibre content, and more micronutrients than standard white bread. Fortified white bread can close the gap between the two with nutrient fortification, but fibre tends to still be different.
When comparing whole wheat directly against white bread, whole wheat appears to be better. The degree of which it is better, however, is uncertain. Some sources claim little to no difference, some epidemiological studies claim much more.
Increasing dietary fibre seems to be implicated in many of the benefits, and can be achieved through increasing plant intake in general (fruits and vegetables included).
If you prefer white bread, you now have an option without sacrificing nutritional value. You can’t go buy a load of Wonderbread and call it a day, of course, but a fortified choice will get you the majority of what you need without giving up the taste that you enjoy.
Is whole wheat bread better than white bread? [Examine.com]
Comments
2 responses to “Some White Bread Can Be Nearly As Healthy As Whole Grain”
Bakers Delight have had high fibre white bread for years, so this is hardly new.
If you like white bread do what I do. Eat white bread and get fibre elsewhere. Or if you like wholemeal bread then eat wholemeal bread and you don’t have to get as much fibre from elsewhere. Or if you find you really have trouble getting your fibre, you might have to suck it up!
With the exception of foods containing trans fats, there’s no real food that is inherently bad for you. It depends on your diet as a whole, your activity level, and whether you have a specific illness/ailment that requires addressing.
The improvement of any food (such as white bread) is a great thing though and is to be celebrated. I’m not sure what the fortified versions cost though so not sure whether they’d pass a CBA for me but if they do for others that’s a great development.