Archive for the tag - whole grain

Is White Whole Wheat Bread Healthy?

January 9, 2013 By

3702whole_grain_breadWhen selecting a bread while grocery shopping, have you ever noticed that in addition to white, whole wheat and the many other varieties of bread, there’s a bread option called white whole wheat (or sometimes white whole grain)?

So is this really just another unhealthy white bread or is it a healthy whole wheat bread? Or perhaps something in between?

As it turns out, white whole wheat bread is actually nutritionally similar to whole wheat bread. The main difference is the type of wheat used. Typical whole wheat bread is made with red wheat while white whole wheat bread is made with white wheat. The different wheat types provide different tastes and textures. Whereas whole wheat can be coarse and bitter, white wheat is much lighter and softer.

White whole wheat is created for those folks who prefer the taste and texture of white bread but who still want the nutritional benefits of whole wheat bread. In a way, it’s really the best of both worlds. Delicious bread that nourishes your body.

When selecting a bread, make sure you read the nutrition label carefully as marketers are notoriously deceptive. For more information, check out my guidelines and tips for buying a healthy bread.

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Multigrain Vs. Whole Wheat Bread.

November 16, 2011 By

While we know that whole wheat bread is much healthier for us than white bread, how do multigrain options measure up?

First things first, the terms “whole wheat” or “whole grain” are very specific. As the Nutrition Diva writes:

Whole grain products contain all the parts of the grain: the germ, which is rich in essential fatty acids and b-vitamins; the endosperm, which is mostly starch; and the bran, which, of course, is high in fiber. In products made with refined grains, on the other hand, most of the germ and bran have been removed, leaving the starchy endosperm, which is the least nutritious part of the grain.

The term “multigrain,” on the other hand, simply means that a variety of different grains were used. And many (if not all) of those grains may be refined - and thus, much less nutritious. To know for sure, simply examine the ingredients on the packaging. Look for the word “whole” before the grains listed to get a better idea of the nutritional value.

Bottom line: If you’re looking to include bread as part of your healthy diet, opt for whole wheat. While multigrain bread may sound appealing, unless it’s made with whole grains, it can have the same nutritional value as white bread.

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