Over the past few years, bread has surprised scientists for the many health benefits it provides, overcoming the myths that state the contrary. The truth is that within a well-balanced diet, which includes foods from all groups, bread supplies carbohydrates and great amounts of fiber, helping with digestion and combatting bad cholesterol, which in turn reduces the risks of cardiovascular disease.
A study from the Nutrition and Food Science Departmentfrom the Pharmacology Facultyin the Barcelona University(Universitat the Barcelona) showed that 275 volunteers who consumed bread on a regular basis had lower cholesterol levels and enjoyed a better overall cardiovascular health.
In addition, bread and cereal grains, as a central part of our diet, offer fiber and carbohydrates, which are essential for the optimum performance of our bodies, as well as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that support our general wellbeing.
According to the study “Comparison of the utility of two balanced hypo caloric diets with bread inclusion versus bread exclusion in the treatment of overweight and obese patients” performed by La Paz University Hospital(Hospital Universitario La Paz) in Madrid, Spain, including bread in a diet in order to lose weight is highly advisable.
Cereal grains such as wheat, rice, corn, oats, and amaranth are highly nutritious foods that supply energy for the body to carry out physical activities (and even cognitive functions). As part of a balanced diet they can convey many advantages to the body.
Specialists suggest including one of these types of bread on a daily basis:
- Whole Grain bread:high in dietary fiber.
- Oatmeal bread: popular for its properties to lower cholesterol.
- Rye bread: one of the healthiest options, great source of iron and vitamins B.
As we can see, science confirms the health benefits that bread offers when it is consumed as a part of a balanced diet and demystifies the idea that bread is “bad” for you.
Reference:
https://repositorio.uam.es/bitstream/handle/10486/5350/35176_loria_kohen_viviana.pdf?sequence=1