Q: I know that 100% whole-wheat bread is better for you than white bread. But how nutritious are breads such as rye and pumpernickel? - Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter (2024)

FAQs

Q: I know that 100% whole-wheat bread is better for you than white bread. But how nutritious are breads such as rye and pumpernickel? - Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter? ›

Both are richer sources of folate and folic acid and, depending on the brand, may be marginally lower in saturated fat. Whole-wheat bread is higher in protein and magnesium while typically lower in sodium per slice. All three types of bread contain about the same amount of calories per serving.

“When it comes to health, whole wheat bread is a better choice compared to white bread,” says Kate Ingram, a Connecticut-based registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of TheVitalityDietitians.com. “This is because whole wheat bread contains more fiber and important nutrients from the bran and germ.

Whole grains contain nutrients such as fiber, B-vitamins and vitamin A that you won't find in white bread, according to the Mayo Clinic.

High in iron, potassium, calcium, zinc and soluble fibre, rye bread is a dark, dense bread with a distinctive earthy taste. Rye bread is considered more nutritious than wheat bread. As well as being super filling, it also contains more fibre and B vitamins than wheat breads.

In comparison to a slice of white bread that provides 83 calories and 15.5 gm of carbohydrates, a slice of pumpernickel bread provides a total of approx. 65 calories, which is less than those in an apple and about 12.35 grams of carbohydrates with 0.8 gram of heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Whole grains and products made from them are more filling than refined grains, and research suggests that they may lower your risk of obesity. In fact, eating 3 servings of whole grains daily was linked to lower body mass index (BMI) and less belly fat in a review of 15 studies in almost 120,000 people ( 12 ).

Choose whole grains instead of refined grains.

The bran is the fiber-rich outer layer that supplies B vitamins, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are natural chemical compounds in plants that have been researched for their role in disease prevention.

Unlike refined white bread, which can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, whole grain, and whole wheat bread contain complex carbohydrates and fiber. These components slow down glucose absorption, leading to a more gradual and steady rise in blood sugar, making them a better choice for individuals with diabetes.

Whole wheat flour naturally has the level of fiber found in wheat, while most of the fiber has been removed from white flour during processing. Fiber is an important part of your diet, as it prevents constipation, helps control blood sugar, wards off heart disease, and even assists in weight-loss management.

Wholegrain and dark rye breads are less processed than white breads, for example, and they tend to have more nutrients. Ezekiel breads and authentic sourdoughs are also great options. Overall, pay close attention to ingredients labels, and make sure you know exactly what you're getting.

Why eat rye instead of wheat? ›

It contains more fiber and nutrients — especially B vitamins — and has been linked to health benefits, such as weight loss, better blood sugar control, and improved heart and digestive health. What's more, it's easy to incorporate into your diet in place of regular white or wheat breads and can easily be made at home.

Refined grains, such as the grains found in white bread and white pasta, are known to increase inflammation across the whole body. Sourdough bread and rye bread are both good options for an anti-inflammatory diet. The best sourdough and rye bread varieties to reduce gut inflammation are those made from whole grains.

Wheat bread is made from whole wheat flour, which contains the entire wheat grain, including the bran, germ, and endosperm. This makes whole wheat bread a healthier option compared to white bread, which is made from refined flour that has been stripped of its nutrients and fiber.

Try switching to whole-wheat or whole-grain varieties. These types of bread are also high in fiber, which can help lower your cholesterol. You might also try low-carbohydrate varieties of bread, but make sure that you check out the fat and fiber content on the food nutrition label before you make your choice.

Carbs. Whole wheat bread is loaded with complex carbohydrates, which take longer for the body to process and tend to impact blood sugar at a slow, steady pace. An average slice contains anywhere from about 12 to 20 grams of total carbohydrates, a significant amount of which are fiber (3 grams per slice).

Try switching to whole-wheat or whole-grain varieties. These types of bread are also high in fiber, which can help lower your cholesterol. You might also try low-carbohydrate varieties of bread, but make sure that you check out the fat and fiber content on the food nutrition label before you make your choice.

The bran in whole wheat flour weakens the gluten strands by cutting into them and disrupting the gluten matrix. This decreases the overall extensibility and elasticity of the dough so that it cannot hold onto as much carbon dioxide – resulting in a denser bread.

Checking ingredient lists and nutrition labels on bread packaging can help people with diabetes choose a suitable product. To recap, to help manage blood sugar, it is most important to choose bread that is: 100% whole grain, such as 100% whole wheat. a good source of dietary fiber, containing at least 3 grams per slice.