Although it is very popular with the French, industrial sandwich bread is often criticized by dieticians-nutritionists. And for good reason, it is rich in additives and added sugars, harmful to health. But should it be banned for all that?
Does sandwich bread have any nutritional value?
Sandwich bread is a ultra-processed product which does not contain only flour, salt and water like other breads. He is rich in additives, sugars and fats to maintain softness. In addition, the flour used is a refined flour, low in fiber and vitamins. “Given his high glycemic index, sandwich bread is not very satiating: it is not chewed much and it is digested quickly, which promotes a rapid increase in blood sugar (blood sugar level). In other words, sandwich bread has no nutritional value“develops Maxime Mességué.
Should we avoid sandwich bread?
In view of his poor nutritional qualitiessandwich bread is a food to avoid. It is not recommended to consume it every day, even if it is chosen whole, because it is still made from highly processed flours to which a little wheat bran has been added. “If you really want to consume it daily, it is better to bet on organic wholemeal bread because organic wheat bran is free of pesticides. It must be included in a varied and balanced diet“recommends the dietitian-nutritionist.
Is sandwich bread bad for the intestines?
Industrial sandwich bread is rich in gluten and other additives which, consumed to excess, fpromote the permeability of the intestinal barrier, which will increase inflammation and increase the risk of developing chronic diseases. This phenomenon is all the more true when the sandwich bread is made from yeast and not sourdough.
It is better to opt for organic wholemeal bread
Does it promote cholesterol?
The glycemic index of sandwich bread being very high, it is a product that raises blood sugar. However, if these elevations in blood sugar occur in an unbalanced diet, this can promote cholesterol and weight gain. “However, it is not the food as such that causes cholesterol, it’s only if you only eat that and the diet is not balanced“, nuance Maxime Mességué.
What is the healthiest sandwich bread?
The healthiest sandwich bread is organic wholemeal bread.
What are the benefits of wholemeal bread?
Wholemeal bread is richer in fibre, vitamins and minerals, which makes it much more interesting from a nutritional point of view. Despite everything, nothing will replace an artisanal wholemeal bread, bought in a bakery.
It is better to opt for organic wholemeal bread, possibly seeds. “It is important to look at the list of ingredients on the label and to favor a product in which there are few additives, i.e. the shortest list possible. Generally, bakery sandwich bread is totally different from industrial sandwich bread, it does not contain additives and comes close to a brioche bread. It is therefore better from a nutritional point of view, even if it is made from ultra-processed flours“, argues our interlocutor.
Thanks to Maxime Messegué, dietitian-nutritionist.