Pass the Healthy Bread Please
By Tom Herrin
There was a time when many people seemed to feel that a meal could not be complete without bread. In more recent times, it seems more like lots of people have become a little reserved about eating a lot of bread. This may be for good reason as some of the changes in bread have been thought responsible for several health issues. For sure, the availability of bread made with all kinds of processed ingredients, particularly flour, may have contributed to a rise in the instance of colon cancer in the twentieth century. Once the whole grains, along with many vitamins, were eliminated, it was bad news. Many diabetics also shy away from bread. The good news is that there are some really good kinds of bread out there.
How Does Oat Bread Sound?
There are probably lots of us who have never even thought about eating oat bread. It must not have any flavor, right? Our impression of anything with oats is widely varied. It can actually be pretty tasty. Oats have a great reputation for its success in helping to lower bad cholesterol. In fact, it may be at the top of the list. Oats are recognized for helping people to feel fuller longer. They have more protein than many similar foods, and they have both kinds of fiber. Some good oat breads are out there on the shelves, and they are healthy.
Check the Label on Whole Wheat Bread
I often say we should be label readers. It is important to know as much as possible about what is contained in what we buy. There are some good whole wheat breads out there, but it is important to remember that the term whole wheat simply means it contains some whole wheat. Some of the nutrients may still be lost. Looking for the term "100 percent whole wheat" may be a safer bet. It will likely have more of the ingredients critical to good health.
What About Sourdough Bread?
A lot of us enjoy some kind of sourdough bread. It has a unique taste and is available with some food orders in restaurants. It is made through a little different process. It may contain a few more calories than other kinds but has very little sugar and plenty of protein. Because of its uniqueness, it can be more easily digested. With bread, this can certainly be a good thing and sometimes a little healthier.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Newnan, Ga.