Is Sourdough Bread Good for You?

Read on to know why sourdough bread is more than the regular white bread. Sourdough is unique in terms of how it’s prepared and how it affects your body. Can it be a part of a healthy diet? Paleo diets and keto diets are against certain grains. White bread, in particular, has become the number one enemy in the diet world. Now, the question is, how does sourdough bread a healthier choice? 

What Is Sourdough Bread?

This bread is made only with four ingredients: flour, water, salt, and natural wild yeast. The process begins with making a sourdough starter that gives a tangy, distinct flavor. The starter is made by mixing flour and water and allowing it to ferment for several days. More water and flour is added to the starter each day. The process lasts for five days till the live yeast and lactic acid in the flour develop properly. A part of the starter is then added to bread dough. The long process of fermenting and rising gives sourdough a beautiful shape and unique texture. 

Nutritional Profile of Sourdough

100gm sourdough bread (two medium slices) contain 230 calories. It has 47g carbohydrates, 1g fat, 1g natural sugars, 8-9g protein, and 3-4g fiber per 100g. 

Sourdough bread is a good source of Vitamin B and iron which are important in the production fo healthy red blood cells. It also contains zinc and selenium which support the immune system. Many studies prove that the fermentation process of sourdough improves the bioavailability of fiber and minerals. 

Benefits of Sourdough Bread

Lower Glycemic Index

The high fiber content makes it good for those with type 2 diabetes. The glycemic index of this bread is less than 49. Any food that has lower than 50 is considered as Low GI. White bread has a GI of 72 and above. 

More Nutritious

The long fermentation time of the dough has an extraordinary reaction. The starch and sugar break down to for phytic acid know as anti-nutrient. Phytic acid is a natural preservative for the wheat. It protects the wheat grain from other elements and secures the nutrients and minerals within the wheat grain. This allows you to absorb and make use of the nutrients. 

Good for the Gut

Sourdough has natural yeasts and friendly bacteria. The probiotics in the bread are good for your gut. Sourdough also has indigestible fiber known as prebiotics which feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Fermented bread has a high level of probiotics that contribute to gut health. Sourdough also has resistant starch which is not found in ordinary bread. 

Chemical Free

When you are eating sourdough bread, you are just eating 3 main ingredients flour, water, and salt. There are no artificial preservatives or chemicals. Even though this bread doesn’t have any preservatives, it lasts longer than other bread. 

Break down Gluten

Gluten is a difficult protein to digest. The fermentation process of sourdough helps break gluten strands into peptides and amino acids making it easy for the body to digest. 

Why Is Sourdough Bread Good for You? 

It has been there for thousands of years. It is one of the oldest yeasted bread dating back to ancient Egyptian times. People who ate this bread did not suffer from any allergies or food intolerances. All things considered, it is worth giving a try.