Is Sourdough Bread Healthy? Sourdough And It's Health Benefits -

Is sourdough bread actually good for you?

Sourdough has gained popularity in recent years for its numerous health benefits but it’s nothing new.

It’s actually a very old and ancient method of making bread that happens to be delicious and healthier than some other methods.

There are so many health benefits of homemade sourdough as opposed to other store bought breads that you will want to make the switch right away!

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What Is Sourdough?

Sourdough is the oldest and most original form of leavened bread.

It was being utilized in ancient civilizations and is still made today because of its unique taste and benefits over commercial yeast.

The magic in sourdough comes from it’s long preparation. It is a bread made from the natural occurring yeast and bacteria in flour.

In traditional sourdough recipes, you’ll find four ingredients: sourdough starter (which consists of flour and water), salt, water and flour.

There is no added yeast, no milk, no oils and no sweeteners.

That signature taste of sourdough bread comes from the same bacteria that is found in yogurt and kefir, which has gotten a lot of attention for it’s incredible health benefits.

That bacteria ferments the flour/water mixture when left to sit and creates lactic acid which increases the nutrient profile.

These acids also give off carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is what will cause the bread to rise.

When worked into a bread dough, the bubbles get trapped into the structure of the bread, and these are what make the little holes that you see.

For more detailed info on sourdough bread, check out this article on sourdough.

Is sourdough bread good for weight loss?

The short answer is yes!

Sourdough bread is packed with nutrients that can help you lose weight and stay healthy.

The fermentation process involved in making sourdough bread breaks down the complex carbohydrates into simple sugars, making them easier for your body to digest.

Additionally, the beneficial bacteria in sourdough bread help to regulate your digestive system, keeping you feeling fuller for longer.

So if you’re looking for a healthy and delicious way to lose weight, look no further than sourdough bread!

Is sourdough bread good for diabetics?

There’s no denying that sourdough bread is delicious. But is it really good for diabetics?

The answer may surprise you.

While other types of bread can cause blood sugar levels to spike, sourdough bread actually has a lower glycemic index, which means it won’t cause such a sudden rise in blood sugar.

In addition, the fermentation process that gives sourdough bread its distinctive flavor also helps to break down the carbohydrates into simpler sugars, making them easier for the body to digest.

As a result, sourdough bread is an excellent choice for diabetics who are looking for a delicious and nutritious way to control their blood sugar levels.

Is sourdough bread good for your gut?

One of the most popular claims is that sourdough bread is good for your gut.

The reasoning goes like this: sourdough bread is made with a sourdough starter culture of wild yeast and friendly bacteria.

These organisms help to break down the gluten in the bread, making it more easily digestible.

In addition, the fermentation process also creates lactic acid, which has been shown to have probiotic properties.

As a result, many people believe that eating sourdough bread can help to keep your gut healthy.

Is sourdough bread gluten free?

Sourdough bread is not gluten free BUT during the long preparation process, the bacteria starts to pre-digest the starches which also helps break down gluten.

This means that sourdough could be a bread that those with a gluten sensitivity can eat.

Please take note that this does NOT mean that people with celiac disease are able to consume sourdough or any wheat. That is an entirely different issue.

Is sourdough bread healthier than other bread?

When it comes to bread, there are a lot of options out there.

From whole wheat to white, gluten-free to sourdough, it can be hard to know which type is best for your health.

But when you compare sourdough to other kinds of bread, it’s clear that sourdough is the healthier choice.

First off, it’s more nutritious!

The bacteria in sourdough produces an enzyme called phytase, which works to dissolve phytic acid.

Phytic acid is not something we want in our grains. It bonds to healthy minerals like phosphorous and magnesium, which prevents our bodies from absorbing them.

It’s also better for your teeth!

Phytic acid can be very bad for your teeth, which is why a lot of people can’t eat grains.

But with the presence of the phytase enzyme in sourdough, this isn’t an issue!

Another benefit of sourdough is that it has been shown to have higher levels of antioxidants than other types of bread.

Don’t Go Buy Just Any Sourdough

Now this doesn’t mean you can go to your local grocery store and pick up any loaf of bread labeled sourdough, because unfortunately not all sourdough is created equal.

Most sourdough loaves sold in stores are flavored to give it that signature “sour” taste but were still made with commercial yeast and do not contain the benefits of true sourdough bread.

Other store-bought sourdough breads might have used the right process, yet were not fermented long enough or only some of the flour was combined with the starter — which means the bread is not as nutritious as it could be.

How To Find The Best Sourdough Bread

Because of this, one of the best ways to ensure you are getting the best and healthiest sourdough bread would be to get it from a reputable bakery, where you can ask about the fermentation process.

Or you can make it yourself, which requires sourdough starter, patience and a little experimentation but it’s so worth it and surprisingly easy.

I prefer to make homemade sourdough and I love to experiment with different flours and additives to suit my family’s tastes.

I recently added some fresh chopped rosemary to my sourdough and it was incredibly yummy!

But If you don’t want to make your bread at home, then these are the signs to look out for true sourdough in stores:

It should only contain a handful of ingredients (one of which NEEDS to be sourdough starter or enzymes). The main ingredients should only be flour, water, starter (or enzymes) and salt.

No yeast

No sweetener

And if you are shopping at a local bakery you can always ask them if their dough is fermented before baking for at least 4-6 hours.

My Choice Of Bread

For my family, we try to eat only homemade sourdough or sprouted bread, since both are way easier on our digestive systems and I have felt considerably better overall since making the switch.

My family loves them too! Be sure to check out the benefits of sprouted bread!

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