Whole wheat bread is packed with nutrients that are good for the body, so many people choose it over white bread, believing it to be healthier. But is that really true? Let's take a closer look.
What Is Whole Wheat Bread?
Whole wheat bread is made from whole wheat grains. Whole grain bread is made from a mix of unrefined grains such as wheat, barley and oats. These differ from wheat bread or multigrain bread, which may be made from partly refined grains.
Whole wheat bread is rich in fibre and nutrients such as vitamin B, vitamin E and antioxidants. White bread, by contrast, is processed, so it provides fewer nutrients. That is why people believe whole wheat bread is more beneficial than white bread.
Is Whole Wheat Bread Better Than White Bread?
White bread is heavily processed and refined, so it doesn't provide as many nutrients as whole wheat bread, which is less processed. Even so, both breads offer similar nutritional value and similar benefits for the body.
Eating whole wheat bread or white bread makes little difference to your health. How much benefit your body gets doesn't depend on the type of bread you eat, but on how the microbes in your gut respond to it.
Can You Eat Whole Wheat Bread Instead of Rice?
Yes. Whole wheat bread is a high-quality alternative source of carbohydrates and protein, rich in essential minerals and vitamins. That said, rice may be more convenient, and you may eat a smaller amount of it compared with the calories you'd get from whole wheat bread.
Choosing your bread matters just as much as choosing any other food. So pick bread, or whole wheat bread, that offers real benefits and gives your body the nutrients it needs. Most importantly, eat in moderation.
