The Health Benefits of Whole Wheat Bread

Making a commitment to eat whole-grains is an advanced healthy diet technique that has a lot in common with eating only organic produce. This commitment will add quality to your diet. Wheat bread is a good source of fiber, which can lower cholesterol and help keep you regular. Whole wheat bread is often recommended as a healthier alternative to white bread. However, do you know what the difference is?

Both white and whole wheat bread are made from wheat flour. Wheat berries used to make flour have three parts: the bran, the germ and the endosperm. White flour uses only the endosperm, while whole-wheat flour uses all the three parts, each of which contains nutrients essential for your health.

Whole wheat bread is much higher in fiber than white bread. Fiber aids digestion and most people are aware of this. However, fiber's benefits go beyond healthy digestion. Fiber helps you feel full and makes it easier for you to control your weight. Moreover, it has many health benefits. For example, fiber reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

How can you tell if bread is whole wheat or not? Read labels. Look for "Whole Grain" or "Whole Wheat". If bread is labeled “Wheat Bread”, this does not mean that you get more nutrients. Bread can be made with a combination of white and whole-wheat flour. You do need to read the label. Always consider that "good wheat bread" has a minimum of 3 grams of fiber,60 to 90 calories per slice, 100 percent whole grain (or wheat), and don't have caramel coloring in the ingredients.