Zee Media Bureau/Salome Phelamei
New Delhi: For many people, bread is a top choice when it comes to breakfast because it is quick and easy to prepare as well. And if you are one of those, hold your breath before continuing to consume this staple diet.
Here are some lesser known truths about bread:
Spikes blood sugar levels
Whole grain bread can spike blood sugar levels because the grains in the bread are broken down into a powdered form, making it absorbed quickly by the body. This leads to a rapid spike in blood sugar and insulin levels. In fact, whole grain bread spikes blood sugar faster than many candy bars.
Low in essential nutrients
Although whole grain bread is considered healthy, it isn't as nutritious as you may think. In general, bread is low in essential nutrients when compared to other foods such as fruits, vegetables, meat and fish.
Raises bad cholesterol
Whole wheat bread has been found to increase small, dense LDL, a type of cholesterol strongly associated with heart disease, by 60%.
Contains lots of gluten
The main ingredient in bread is wheat which contains a large amount of protein called gluten. Evidence suggests that a significant percentage of the population is sensitive to gluten. Studies show various side effects of gluten including bloating, damage to the wall of the digestive tract, stool inconsistency and tiredness.
Contains other harmful substances
Most types of bread contain sugar or high fructose corn syrup and other harmful substances. These chemicals and preservatives in bread can cause various negative impacts on health.
