Whole Wheat Bread Vs White Bread - Exploring the Myths Behind What Type of Bread Is Good for You

As many Canadians become more health conscious they are looking for more natural and wholesome food choices. Yet there are many misconceptions regarding baked goods, including the belief that there is no healthy white bread, whole wheat bread is always the best option and carbohydrates should be avoided. These misconceptions have led many people to choosing products based on perceived benefit or even swearing off certain products altogether.

When it comes to choosing bread options, there is no better source of information than the actual ingredient and nutrition labeling on package but below are answers to some of the common misperceptions regarding white and whole wheat breads and how they stack up in terms of nutrition.

Healthy White Bread Does Not Exist

This is a common misbelief held by many people. While some white bread is in fact made with less nutrient-rich bleached flour, there are healthy white bread options available made with unbleached flour making them a better source of vitamins and minerals.

Another myth is that white bread is devoid of nutrition. In fact, some varieties of this type of bread contain high amounts of iron (which aids the circulatory system in delivering oxygen throughout the body) and folate (which contributes to prenatal health).

Finally, many believe that white bread is high in carbohydrates and should be avoided. In reality, the human body needs carbohydrates to convert starches and sugars into energy and white bread averages on 1/7 of our required daily intake. Of course, the amount of carbohydrates this type of bread can vary by product so be sure to check the label and understand serving sizes.

Whole Wheat Bread Is Always a Healthier Option

Related to the myth that healthy white bread does not exist is the misbelief that whole wheat bread is always a healthier bread option. While whole wheat bread may be a better choice for some, it all comes down to personal nutritional requirements. In comparing labels, the major differences between white and whole wheat breads is that whole wheat breads generally have higher amounts of potassium, protein, iron and magnesium.

Myths Debunked: Bread is Good For You When Incorporated Into a Well Balanced Diet

We hear it all the time: a well balanced diet is the key to a healthy life. Besides pulling your daily recommended servings straight from the food pyramid, paying attention to your individual nutritional needs can make the difference between choosing foods that are just enough to sustain energy and foods that actually contribute to your overall health. Checking food labels for nutritional information and ingredients can prove that not all foods are created equal, but some foods perceived as unhealthy can actually be healthy options.

Weston Bakeries Limited is the manufacturer of baked goods brands including WONDER. For more information, including nutritional facts and ingredients for whole wheat and white bread varieties, visit: http://wonderbread.ca/products/breads.

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Posted in: Behind, Bread, Exploring, Myths, Wheat, White, Whole