Bread is the basic product, staple food, which is found in almost every plan and is an integral part of our menu.


Supermarkets' shelves laden with a wide seductive variety of different types, that distinct from each other by ingredients, nutritional value and most importantly - by taste.


Can you resist the smell of fresh baked bread?
 

Nutritional contribution of such made of least processed basic ingredients is higher; it contains more fiber which makes it easier for digestion, has lower glycemic index value and therefore maintains low concentration of blood sugar and provides more satiety. However, taste tests and surveys indicate preferences for the made of processed ingredients  sorts.


 - Wheat flour is the most common ingredient. It is processed flour with
   glycemic index of 85, almost like sugar.

 - Whole wheat flour is less processed, more nutritious, glycemic index value is 50.
   
- Pre-germinated wheat makes it much more qualitative, richer in minerals, 
  vitamins and fiber with unique texture and taste, but on the other hand these
  qualities make it crumble faster.

- Rye bread is not much different than any other sort made of whole grains, except
  that it contains slightly less dietary fiber.


Nutritional Additives such as barley, millet, oats, contain nutrients such as protein, fiber, group B vitamins that contribute to full health as they are rich nutritional values.


Other common components are: bran which is a good source of dietary fiber, sesame and sunflower seeds which are good sources of unsaturated fat and minerals and also shredded flax seed, providing a source of monounsaturated fat that helps in reducing blood cholesterol.


Most breads are yeast-leavened. Leavening method is convenient, cheap and makes relative light weight loaf ook great. This method does not do good to digestive processes and creates by-reactions in other biological processes.


Alternative production method that is using sourdough or rye creates more compressed bread which is better for people with digestive problems, diabetics or Weight Watchers.


Is bread fattening? Not at all. an average slice of contains 80 calories which is certainly not much. It is definitely recommend in any menu and the weight loss. The question is of course the how much one consumes. It is all a matter of quantity.