In the U.S. we consume a ton of bread. We use bread for sandwiches, pudding, pizzas, etc. The problem with bread is that we never pay attention to what it is made with. White fluffy bread that sticks to the roof of your mouth may be what you are use to but when trying to count calories and watch your weight you may want to know a thing or two about bread. First, most bread is made with enriched flour. This enriched flour was originally made from whole grains, but then stripped of almost all of its nutritional value. From there they add a ton of ingredients that add calories and white fluffiness. This gives the bread more appealing look to customers which is why most consumers like white bread. You may notice the label on some breads that say “made with whole grains” or something similar. Just because it says this does not mean it got rid of the enriched flour. The idea of this is a marketing strategy used to convince those that are slowly becoming health conscious to buy there bread. Next time you visit the store take a look at any bread that says it is made with whole grains and read the nutrition label. The first ingredient will always be enriched flour. This enriched flour adds a lot of unnecessary weight and calories to your diet. When looking for bread without enriched flour try to find bread that is “100% whole grains” or “100% whole wheat.” On the back of these breads there will be no enriched flour. This is the kind of bread you want to start looking for whether it is sliced bread or hamburger buns. You will notice a difference in both taste, texture, and the better feeling knowing you are eating bread without enriched flour.

The idea of enriched flour is to add a smoother texture and increase the shelf life. This enriched flour was once regular flour that has had most, if not all, of its nutrients and minerals removed. When these nutrients and minerals are removed your body finds it harder to absorbed the newly enriched flour. Your body breaks down this enriched flour too quickly which causes highs and lows in blood sugar. When your body cannot get rid of it all it stores it as fat. The eating of enriched flour causes type-two diabetes and obesity. If you are overweight and eat a lot of bread you may consider checking if your bread has enriched flour in it, because chances are it does. The idea of eating food that is stripped of its natural resources and altered to make it last longer makes me not want to eat it. Also, do not let color fool you. Some bread may be brown in color giving it a more natural appearance. This bread could be even worse for you depending on its ingredients. Breaded chicken nuggets and pizza crusts also may contain enriched flour. Consider reading the ingredients of any product that contains bread. Next time you go shopping for bread, base your decision on the ingredients and not the price. This is one step to help lower your risk of becoming obese.

Some health benefits of eating whole grains are lowering your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. You can also avoid coronary heart disease and digestive system failure simply from avoiding enriched flour. Whole grains are much richer in dietary fiber, protein, and even antioxidants. Whole grains also provide nutrients like iron, magnesium, and vitamins B and E. The more common whole grains you may be familiar with are brown rice, wild rice, oatmeal, barely, whole rye, and popcorn. Reducing the risk of heart disease and obesity should be reason enough to switch to breads with only 100% whole grains. Why eat altered bread that contains very little nutritional value, enriched flour, and causes weight gain? Be sure to switch to 100% whole grain bread today and start feeling better about what you eat!

Author Bio: Bill Perkins has knowledge and a strong interest in the field of weight loss and proper nutrition. His current website consists of weight loss program reviews, proper ways to diet, and much more. Weight Loss and Nutrition Secrets

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
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