It can be difficult to find the right type of bread that fits your dietary and nutritional needs. While some breads are made from refined flour and excess sugars, there are other breads you can enjoy packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Made from nutritious ingredients, grab or make one of these six best healthy bread options the next time you need to stock your cabinet.
6. Oat Bread
Starting our list of healthy bread options is oat bread. Made from a combination of oats and whole-wheat flour, oats are high in fiber and can help manage blood sugars after meals. Other benefits include magnesium, vitamin B1 (thiamine), iron, and zinc. Though pay attention to the amount of oats in your bread, as lower amounts may signal additions of refined flours, added sugars, and oils.
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5. 100% Whole Wheat
Fifth on our list of healthy bread options is 100% whole wheat. Whole grains keep the entire grain intact, keeping the most nutritious parts in the bread. The bran and the germ are high in fiber, and also contain protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. Whole grains can help decrease the chances of type 2 diabetes and decrease the amount of refined sugars you take in. When you look for 100% whole grain, make sure it is the first ingredient and the bread contains no other additives.
4. Sourdough
Next on our list of healthy bread options is sourdough, which is made through a fermentation process. Since the fermentation breaks down some of the carbohydrates and proteins in grains, it can be easier to digest than other breads. Sourdough can be made with both whole-wheat and white flours, where wheat contains more fiber, while white flour may contain more iron and B vitamins.
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3. Dark Rye Bread
Rounding out the top three healthy bread options on our list is dark rye bread. This bread is nutrient-dense and has a heavy texture, and compared to light rye bread, it has less processing and more fiber and nutrients. One type of popular dark rye bread is pumpernickel. Always make sure to find brands that list wholegrain rye as the first ingredient and contain fewer ingredients overall.
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2. Multigrain
Second on our list of healthy bread options is multigrain. While wholegrain means the manufacturers are using the entire grain, multigrain refers to how many types of grains are in the bread. However, you can have multigrain that isn’t wholegrain, so always make sure to check the label. Multigrain bread has a high fiber content and is nutrient-rich, which can help aid in digestion, regulate blood sugar, and contribute to heart health.
1. Sprouted Whole Grain
Last but not least on our list of healthy bread options is sprouted whole grain. Sprouted bread, unlike other types, is made from whole grains that have started to sprout from exposure to heat and moisture, and has been shown to increase the amount and availability of certain nutrients. It can also increase the grains‘ antioxidants, which help increase metabolism, improve immunity, and aid with mineral and vitamin deficiency.