Bread Benefits

What are Wholegrains?

Wholegrains are comprised of the entire kernel - the bran, germ and endosperm.  It is this wholegrain 'package' -  including fibre, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and phytonutrients - that proctects the body against many diseases.

Eating three servings of wholegrain bread or cereal can have major health and nutritional benefits.

• Scientific evidence shows that wholegrains such as wholemeal bread, can help prevent heart disease, obesity and diabetes.  Plus they can effectively manage diabetes for those with the condition.
• Bread provides B vitamins (to help the body convert food into energy efficiently), iron (for transporting oxygen around the body), zinc (for the growth of the cells, healing and fighting infection), antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin E and selenium (which protect cells from damage by toxic substances including smoke pollution) and phytonutrients (plant substances that help protect against disease). White bread is a good source of calcium, which is important for strong bones.
• Bread is an important source of fibre.  More than a quarter of our daily fibre intake comes from bread - essential for a healthy digestive system.  Research shows that fibre may help to protect against certain cancers and type 2 diabetes.  Six slices of wholegrain bread provide 70% of the recommended daily intake of fibre.
• It's not bread that is fattening but what you put on it.  There are as many, if not more, calories in the spread you put on a slice of bread as in the bread itself.  So use as little margarine or butter on bread as you can; spread thinly, use a reduced fat or low fat spread or even omit altogether if you're having bread with soup or a meal, or with beans or cheese on top.  One slice of bread provides only 70 calories - less than a biscuit!
• The salt content of bread has been reduced.  Over the past twenty years, salt levels in bread have been reduced by some 25%.  In 2005, the industry implemented a further 5% reduction, and further reductions are scheduled for the future.