There are a number of bread varieties stacked in the grocery racks which leaves one befuddled about the healthiest one.
Popular Varieties of Bread:
1.) Whole Wheat Bread
Whole wheat bread is nutritious because it is made from whole wheat flour produced from milling the entire wheat grain. It contains both bran (the grain’s outer layer) and germ
(the inner layer) due to which it is rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, phytochemicals, beta-carotene, vitamin E, essential minerals, and Vitamin B1, B2, B3, folic acid.
Nutritive Value of whole wheat bread- Energy: 247 Kcal, Carbohydrates- 41 g, Protein- 13 g, Fat- 3.4 g
2.) Multigrain Bread
Multigrain bread is prepared using wheat, oats, flax seeds, barley, buckwheat, flax seeds, sesame seeds, etc. The fat content of multigrain bread is higher due to the presence of nuts.
Nutritive value of multigrain bread- Energy: 260 Kcal, Carbohydrates- 47 g, Protein- 9 g, Fat- 4 g
3.) White Bread
White bread is prepared from refined wheat flour (maida). Bran and germ layer are completely removed. It contains the only endosperm laded with carbohydrates.
Nutritive value of white bread- Energy: 265 Kcal, Carbohydrates- 49 g, Protein- 9 g, Fat- 3.2 g
4.) Brown Bread
Brown bread is made using refined wheat flour (maida), with the main variation being the addition of colouring, such as molasses, coffee, or caramel, which causes the colour to change to brown. Brown bread isn’t made with entire wheat or grains. Nutritive value of brown bread- Energy: 313 Kcal, Carbohydrates- 56 g, Protein- 13 g, Fat- 4.3 g
Bottom Line:
Because it contains 100 percent whole grains and is rich in nutrients including B vitamins, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and magnesium, wholemeal/whole wheat bread is healthier than multigrain, brown, and white bread. Remember to check the nutritional content of the bread and choose one that says 100 percent whole wheat or 100 percent whole grain.