WHY IS BREAD4LIFE BETTER FOR YOU?

Bread has been an everyday food for centuries and a staple food for all households all over the world. We have so many bread products in our towns and cities but many still wonder what we get from our BREAD. What are the nutritional values? Knowing its health benefits will help individuals understand its impacts in their body and why they are good food for all.

The bread you choose to buy will determine the nutritional value it adds to your diet. Buying from a trusted manufacturer that uses traditional and high quality ingredients will determine how healthy your bread is.

Moderation is key when eating bread and limiting your bread intake to few servings up to six per day. Adding healthy fillings onto your bread, will give you a more nourished balanced nutritional value.  Choose healthier or low-fat alternatives to your favourite toppings/fillings for a balanced meal. Please note that it’s wise to be mindful of other foods you eat during the day to maximize bread’s health benefits.

Freshly bake buns

When you buy bread, check for the ingredients the manufacturer uses, nutritional value and the serving suggestions. It is wise to always Adjust your bread intake accordingly if you are following a strict diet for medical reasons.

The fillings, butter and jam you choose can impact the nutritional value of your meal, bread itself offers several health benefits. The main nutrients in bread products and its whole grain can make it an essential part of your daily diet. If you enjoy bread, you’ll be happy to know it can be part of a balanced diet.

SUGGESTED RESEARCH UPDATES FOR BREAD’S HEALTH BENEFITS

Kneading bread dough

Fiber

All bread contains fiber, an essential dietary nutrient. While each product in our bread has a different amount, you’ll generally find at least a gram of fiber per serving.

The importance of fiber in your diet:

  • Feeling fuller: As your body works to break down fiber, you feel fuller for longer. Because fiber-rich foods are more filling, you’re less likely to overeat in one sitting and throughout the day, which can help with your weight loss.
  • Managing blood sugar: High-fiber foods tend to have a lower glycemic index, a ranking that reflects how foods affect blood sugar. Having a lower GI means that fiber in some bread products slowly releases sugar into your bloodstream, helping reduce blood sugar spikes after a high-carbohydrate meal.
  • Improving healthy heart: Whole-grain bread is high in fiber, which may help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Often, bread has insoluble fiber which you will find in sources such as whole-wheat flour. This fiber is essential in regulating your bowel movements, preventing constipation. Your body can’t break down and absorb insoluble fiber, so it clears your digestive tract as it moves through intact. Some bread products also have soluble fiber from sources such as barley and oats. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, turning into a gel. It lowers your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Prebiotic Effect

Our bodies have its natural bacteria known as probiotics, typically living within the gut. These bacteria keep us healthy by supporting our immune systems, helping us digest food and protecting us from germs that can make us sick

Dumplings

The fiber in our bread is prebiotic, which means it acts as food for the probiotics. While we can’t digest prebiotic fiber, our gut bacteria can. This fiber gives our gut the nutrients it needs to support healthy digestion, immune function and maintain a healthy balance.

Research studies link unhealthy guts to diseases such as diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative disorders and even cancer.When the beneficial gut bacteria consume prebiotic fiber, they turn the prebiotic fibre into butyric acid which gives colon cells the energy they need to function. Eating bread with prebiotic fiber can help your colon produce more butyric acid and keep your digestive system healthy.

Bread Contains Protein

Protein has the following benefits for your body.

  • Reduces your appetite:  Of all the macronutrients, protein makes you feel fuller while eating less. It does this by lowering levels ghrelin which is the hunger hormone, so you can avoid overeating.
  • Increases muscle mass:  Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass and strength. Consume enough protein if you’re trying to lose weight and gain muscle.
  • Maintains bone health:  Eating protein can help maintain bone mass as you age, preventing fractures and other issues.
  • Bread can be a healthy addition to your protein-rich diet. Most breads are vegetarian or vegan, which is good news if you are looking to increase your protein intake from sources other than meat or dairy