A Guide to Choosing the Healthiest Bread

 With so many healthy bread options available, how can you tell which ones truly offer what they say they do? From healthy bread myths to choosing the best bread, it can all be made easier with the information in this post.

Choosing the Best Bread for Your Health

When going to the supermarket, you are faced with many bread options. Most of them are advertised as the healthiest choice, the best for your health, or made from whole grains. You already know that whole grains should be part of your diet, so choosing a loaf of bread that has them seems like a natural choice. But how can you tell if the bread you’re purchasing is really a healthy option? It’s highly unlikely that your everyday supermarket bread is the healthiest choice, so instead take a trip to your local bakery like Great Harvest of Newtonville where the bread is made from freshly ground wheat flour. To help you make healthier choices when choosing your bread, they’ve prepared this article for you.

Common Bread Myths

Myth 1: Brown bread containing the word “wheat” means healthy. Truth: The first ingredient on the ingredient list should say “whole-wheat flour” if it says “wheat flour” or “enriched bleach flour” you will not be getting the healthy whole grains and fiber you need. You will most likely just get flour. Myth 2: All rye bread is 100% whole-grain. Truth: Most commercial rye bread has unbleached enriched flour as its main ingredient. Usually, it only has a single gram of fiber per slice because it doesn't truly have large quantities of rye flour. It’s not likely that your rye bread is 100% whole grain or high in fiber. Myth 3: Bread that sounds super healthy is the best choice. Truth: Just because it says seven-grain or 100% natural it doesn’t mean it’s super healthy. Check the ingredient list, if “unbleached enriched flour” or something similar is the first ingredient, you’re not getting a healthy whole wheat option. Fun fact: Many of the bread options Great Harvest of Newtonville has to offer have Fresh ground 100% Whole Wheat Flour as their first ingredient. This means going to their bakery is a really healthy decision. You can learn about the ingredients in their most popular breads and sweets, place an order, or find out more about their healthy choices by calling the bakery at (617) 928-1162.

 The Best Bread Options

Whole grain bread: These breads contain plenty of nutrients and fiber. Just be sure to check that the label mentions “whole wheat,” “whole oats,” or any other whole grain as the first ingredient. Also, try to find an option with no artificial flavors or colors. Whole wheat white bread: Children often prefer the taste and texture of white bread. It’s possible for white bread to be a healthy choice to some extent. Look for whole wheat white bread which is made from albino wheat, as opposed to red wheat which gives the bread a golden color. While this type of bread does have whole grains, it still contains enriched or refined wheat flour. Rye bread: Rye bread is an excellent choice if you’re looking to lose some weight and lower your cholesterol since it will make you feel fuller for longer. Rye bread is made with rye flour, which comes from a plant similar to wheat. 100% whole rye bread is not that easy to find in supermarkets. You’ll have better luck in a bakery. Sprouted grain bread: The most well-known brand of sprouted grain bread is Ezekiel. This bread is made with sprouted whole grains and no sugar. The sprouting process increases the amount vitamins and minerals in the grains.  Ezekiel bread has wheat, barley, beans, millet, lentils, and spelt, which, when combined, create a protein similar to that found in dairy and eggs. Sprouted grain bread is ideal for vegetarians, people with grain sensitivities, and people with diabetes. Brown rice bread: If you’re vegan or gluten-free, this should be your bread of choice because it contains no dairy or eggs. Brown rice bread is packed full of fiber, proteins, calcium, magnesium, and potassium thanks to the natural rice. Gluten-free bread: Gluten-free bread is a must for people suffering from celiac disease or gluten allergies. However, it’s not recommended for individuals who don’t have either. It’s void of plenty of nutrients and is considerably pricier than any other healthy bread. Gluten-free bread doesn’t include wheat, rye, or barley. It instead contains cornstarch, tapioca starch, potato starch, or rice flour. Flaxseed bread: If you’re vegan, you aren’t able to consume Omega-3 fatty acids like other people usually do by consuming fish and fish oil. Flaxseed bread is the alternative to this problem. Multigrain bread: Multigrain bread, as the name says, is made from multiple grains, which may or may not be whole grains (most likely not). Again, check the label a look for whole grains, don’t be fooled by the seeds or grains sitting on top of the bread.

Nutritious Bakery Bread in Newtonville

You can find plenty of yummy and nutritious bread options at Great Harvest of Newtonville. Shop for your bread online and check out the healthy ingredients used to make them. You can also call the bakery at (617) 928-1162 to place your order or learn more about their products.