The Goodness in Bread
As part of a healthy balanced diet, we need fibre, vitamins and minerals all which are contained in ingredients such as grains, rice and oats contained in bread. As the old saying goes, “Anything from the ground is good enough” So, with these ingredients in bread all coming from the grounds natural source, it is clear that bread is good for you.
Bread and my weight gain:
It is a well-known fact that too much consumption of a particular food type will have an adverse effect on your diet. However; many people will associate bread as a major contributor to weight gain without first recognising other factors that contribute to an increase in weight. Reports from Rothamsted Research UK state that there is no scientific evidence or no one specific food type that can be contributed to weight gain. Other factors that contribute to an increase in weight are overconsumption of any food, a major increase in fibre in-take and an inactive lifestyle. Rothamsted also stated that there are no hardened facts to prove that the wheat used in the baking process of bread has been the sole contributory to weight gain. In addition to this, Rothamstead stated that the baking process and the journey that bread takes from the ground to its final destination is no different in preparation for traditional bakeries and modern commercial bakers.
Nutritional Values, what?
There are many differences of opinion whether or not bread offers nutritional value to your diet. However; contrary to these opinions bread provides up to 10% of your required daily intake of the important nutritional elements you need in your diet such as iron, calcium, folic acid and protein. In support to this, we need folic acid in our diet to build red blood cells, and this is especially important to women during pregnancy. Fibre is also an essential element in our diet to maintain digestive health as it improves cholesterol levels; blood sugar levels and prevents diseases. Overall it keeps you fuller for longer helping you to function in your everyday life. (Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance)
Active lifestyles:
Bread is an important source of protein and carbohydrate which our bodies need consistently when we are living an active lifestyle. Also, during exercise we lose water and need to replenish our hydration levels, so the proteins and carbohydrates contained in bread are essential to our diet to refuel our bodies. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations have attributed the raised bread loaf to being one of the best providers of cereal foods which are essential nourishment for our dietary needs. Wheat based diets are also higher in fibre than meat products, contain essential minerals and are highly nutritious that will provide an active lifestyle with the fuel it needs.
Bread on the Brain:
Just like your body needs fuel so too does your brain. So, what does the brain need to maintain its functionality? The brain needs glucose as a source of fuel for its functionality and this comes from the metabolism of carbohydrates in your diet, hence bread contributes to the fuel for your brain. Vitamin B is also a crucial nutrient that maintains a healthy functioning brain, and just like the carbohydrates and protein build muscle in your body, the brain being one of the largest muscles needs the same approach to be taken to maintain its health. Remember healthy head, healthy life!
Interesting Facts:
Finally, here are some Interesting facts about the Irish Population.
Of the Irish Population, 90% of adults consume white bread.
2% eat wholemeal bread
Brown and white bread provides only 1% of the Fat content in your diet
Iron is an important nutrient in your diet and white bread contributes to more of your iron intake than meat and fish. White bread is also the second highest contributor calcium in your diet.
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