Bread Can Play an Important Part in a Healthy Diet
By Tom Herrin
As we make our best effort to maintain good health, it can be a challenge. We have to keep up with what is good for us in terms of exercise and nutrition. Too many times, people can do well in one area and fail miserably in the other. In terms of diet, a food that has been more than a little controversial is bread. At one time, it was considered to be one of the most essential foods in just about any diet. With the increased availability of bread at the market, people no longer had to make their own.
This same bread began to be made from highly processed flour that was void of many of its healthiest ingredients. The result was believed to be a higher incidence of colon cancer. Adding more reason for concern to the bread issue is the effect it can have on many people who are diabetic. We can take heart as there are now some great products on the market that can help to support good health.
Whole Wheat Bread
In order to counter the effects of the bread that was so short of nutrients, it was required that bakeries use flour that was enriched with more vitamins. The popularity of whole wheat bread has increased. It has a good supply of vitamins as well as much more fiber. We can find some form of it at any market, and it is available in many restaurants. It can be a much healthier choice that simply white bread.
Oat Bread
The chances are that many of us have never even thought of oat bread, let alone tried it. Oats have a proven record of lowering bad cholesterol due to their soluble fiber. This same fiber can help us to feel fuller longer. Oat bread is a nutritionally sound product. It is a good source of vitamins and has more protein than many other types of bread. Don't be fooled into thinking it is bland because it has plenty of flavor, too.
Eat Bread for the Right Reasons
When we choose anything to add to our meals, we should know why we do it. With bread, we want something that can complement our meals. It should be as nutritious as possible. Most important of all, when we add any kind of food, it should be something that tastes good. Reading the labels and doing a little sampling can provide us with healthy and delicious additions to our diet, and that is what we are really seeking.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Longmont, Colo.