Bake Your Own Bread for Improved Health
By Brandi Goodman
Bread often fills the store shelves, providing you with plenty of options to choose from. Sometimes, however, there may not be what you're looking for when you shop. Knowing how to bake your own bread can prove beneficial in those times. It's also helpful because homemade bread from scratch is often better for your health.
Start With Storage
When making your own bread, you should start by thinking about your storage method. You will need an airtight container or packaging that can be closed and kept sealed to prevent the bread from going bad too quickly. Many bread makers store their bread in the freezer because it keeps the food safe longer. Bread does not take long to thaw out and soften when you're ready to use it.
Use Whole, Unprocessed Ingredients
White bread is not a healthy version. It uses bleached flour and ingredients that have been processed with chemicals. You need to use whole, unprocessed ingredients for your homemade batch if you hope to retain the nutrition and avoid the synthetic stuff. You'll want to choose a whole grain flour to start rather than an enriched version.
Consider Your Flour Options Carefully
Lots of flour options exist aside from just white and whole wheat. Spelt flour is one option. It offers lots of protein and has a nutty flavor. It isn't safe for people with celiac disease due to the gluten. Oat flour is another possibility. It will offer some more heartiness and a hint of sweetness that other flours don't provide. You can even use whole, rolled oats in your bread recipe. Rye flour is high in fiber. You'll want to be sure the package you buy specifies that it's whole grain. Some versions are not.
Do You Need Gluten-Free?
Some people cannot eat regular bread because they are allergic to gluten or have a gluten sensitivity. In these cases, you'll need gluten-free versions. Buckwheat, quinoa, sorghum, and millet are a few options you'll have to consider. They are naturally gluten-free.
Learn how to bake your own bread and you'll be ahead of the rest. Not many people know how to use a bread maker and would be out of luck if store shelves were left unstocked of the grocery item. Your own bread from scratch is left free from the processed versions with chemicals added in the store. This gives you a healthier selection that's better for your body.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Decatur, Ga.