Is White Bread Bad for Your Health?

Over the years white bread has been labeled as harmful for health and wellness. TV nutritionists and health campaigners have referred to white bread as a 'demon' but contrary to the adverse publicity, white bread is a rich source of minerals and vitamins.

A recent research published in British Nutrition Foundation has rejected the age old myth that white bread can lead to bloating, increase in weight and wheat allergies.

Dr Aine O'Connor, the lead researcher mentioned, "Health professionals need to dispel the myths. Bread is an important source of nutrition."

Dr O'Connor stated that though white bread consumption is decreasing in Great Britain, yet obesity remains the major health concern. This reveals the fact that bread intake is not to be blamed for obesity.

'Eating bread can help consumers to meet their daily requirements for many nutrients, including micronutrients for which there is evidence of low intake in some groups in the UK, such as zinc and calcium' according to this nutrition scientist.

Dr O'Connor further added, "Wheat allergies have not risen even though many people incorrectly believe that they suffer from wheat intolerance due to what they are being told about bread."

Research conducted in 2010 highlighted that people consuming pasta and white bread are twice more likely to suffer heart disease than those eating a more balanced diet.

 
References :

O'Connor, A. (2012), An overview of the role of bread in the UK diet. Nutrition Bulletin, 37: 193-212. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-3010.2012.01975.

Source: Medindia