With the emerging consciousness about health and hygiene among people, the debate on white bread vs brown bread has skyrocketed. So, people are mostly in a dilemma when it comes to choosing their bread. Which one is healthier, and which one is more nutritional are some of the questions that can solve this issue. However, answering “Why is brown bread healthier than white bread?” is more important than answering “White bread vs brown bread which one is healthier?” So let’s take a look!
White Bread vs Brown Bread: What’re the Differences
To know the difference between white bread and brown bread, it is important to consider a few factors such as the ingredient list or the calorie count. Accessing these factors will help you to determine which bread is the right choice for you.
White Bread Vs Brown Bread Ingredients
The ingredient we mostly try to avoid in our regular diet is the key ingredient in preparing white bread. For baking white bread, maida or refined wheat flour is an essential ingredient. Maida is what gives this bread a diverse taste profile and thus, making it suitable for different sandwiches.
On the contrary, a good piece of brown bread is prepared from 100% whole wheat. But for its distinct color, there can be added ingredients. However, it doesn’t have a great flavor profile.
White and Brown Bread Nutritional Value
When it’s about your health, checking the nutritional profile of the foods on your plate is probably the most important part. The bran in the wheat flour contains magnesium, manganese, vitamins B and E, iron, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus which are essential nutrients to keep you healthy.
As brown bread is made using whole wheat which has its outer covering intact, it retains most of the nutrients. Therefore, it makes the bread nutritious and full of fiber, unlike white bread.
In the debate on white bread vs brown bread, white bread is way behind in terms of nutrition. While preparing white bread, wheat flour is bleached using different chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide, chlorine dioxide, and potassium bromate.
In addition to that, extra starch is added on top of the flour while making white bread. Even when these chemicals are used in a small amount, they are hazardous to health.
White Bread and Brown Bread Calories
If you are taking the side of brown bread in the debate on brown bread vs white bread for weight loss, then you are not wrong. For health-conscious people, white bread is a straight no as it contains more calories than brown bread.
However, the difference in the calorie count is not extreme. While a slice of white bread can add 77 calories to your diet, a slice of brown bread can add up to 75 calories.
White & Brown Bread Glycemic Index
Suffering from diabetes and still relying on bread? Well, even when it’s better to go slow on your love for bread, you can still have it in limited quantity. However, it’s best to say goodbye to white bread at least.
White bread is made with refined flour and contains very minimal to no fiber. Therefore, it is higher on the glycemic index and not recommended for people, especially people with diabetes.
On the other hand, the key ingredient in preparing brown bread is whole wheat flour. It contains more fiber and therefore its glycemic index is comparatively on the lower side. As a result, it can be consumed by everyone including Keto dieters and people with type 2 diabetes.
White Bread and Brown Bread Texture
These two types of bread are quite different in terms of texture as well. Generally, white bread is preferred for a variety of bread dishes because it has a softer texture than brown bread.
It is because brown bread contains more bran which pops the bubbles created while baking. So, it’s not as airy and fluffy as white bread. Besides, white bread is infused with milk and extra added refined sugar to make it tastier and softer sometimes.
Is Brown Bread Better Than White Bread?
The answer is a big yes! In terms of the nutrients they provide, brown bread is way far better than white bread. White bread has very minimal nutrition to offer and can be quite unhealthy if extra sugar is used in preparing it.
Try to opt for brown bread but make sure to read the ingredient list carefully. Make sure that it contains whole wheat and that the ingredient list also mentions it. These types of brown bread are higher in fiber. They come with the goodness of the germ and bran of the wheat grain. In fact, the bran is what makes it more nutritious.
Besides, brown bread also contains a phytonutrient called plant lignans, which can offer protection against breast cancer and heart disease.
So, next time you get into a debate on white bread vs brown bread, keep these few factors in mind. Always make sure to check out the ingredients thoroughly before buying your pack of bread. Try to find more nutritious options like multigrain to replace it with regular ones.
