Is brown bread really healthy? We asked an expert
Both brown and white breads have almost the same number of calories. Photo: dailyO
Are you one of those individuals who, while heading out for grocery shopping, choose brown bread, thinking it's a healthier option? Well, you might want to reconsider.
What
The ongoing debate on what constitutes a healthy diet continues to surface on social media. When it comes to bread, some self-proclaimed nutritionists advocate for brown bread as a better alternative to white bread, while others argue the opposite.
With conflicting information flooding the internet, the question remains: which one should you choose? Let's attempt to settle this debate.
"I don't think there is any difference," says Dr. Darshini Bali, a dietician from Noida, as she explains that while brown bread is generally believed to be healthier, it may not always be the case.
Finding a truly "clear bread" with no refined flour (Maida) can be quite challenging. Some manufacturers may use caramel coloring or other additives to give the bread a brown appearance, even if it's primarily made from refined flour.
However, not all brown bread in the market is a complete scam (though many are). By taking a minute to read the label, you can make a more informed choice.
[READ MORE: How to get enough protein as a vegetarian?]
Here's how to select the right bread:
Check the label: According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the primary ingredient listed on the label should have the highest proportion in the product.
For instance, if you check the content label of brown bread, you may find that the highest content can be either Maida or Atta.
DailyO conducted a simple search and discovered that one of the most famous companies selling "brown bread" had Refined wheat flour (Maida) as the second-highest ingredient.
Watch out for vague information: Some brands don't mention the exact percentage of wheat flour or refined wheat flour used in their bread. Consequently, even if the wheat flour content is higher, consumers remain uncertain about the actual proportion (it could be 10%, 50%, or even 1%).
For a healthier option, choose bread with no refined ingredients and less sugar content. If you prefer to explore beyond brown or white bread, consider alternatives like multigrain varieties.