So, given a choice between brown Bangladeshi bread and white, most health-conscious people would easily reach out to the brown loaf, since it is considered the healthier alternative. But is the brown bread really a better alternative? Well, let us examine the facts and debunk some myths.


Basic Facts: Brown Bread vs. White Bread

  • White Bread:

    • Made with refined wheat flour, popularly called maida in Bangladesh.

    • The refined process removes the bran and germ to retain only the endosperm.

    • Naturally nutrient-dense food is lost because of this refining process.
  • Brown Bread:
    • Made from whole wheat flour most of the time.

    • Contains all three parts of the grain: Bran, Germ, and Endosperm. 

    • Thousand times richer in fibre and other nutrients than white bread.


The Lie Behind Bangladeshi Brown Bread
 

Many people confuse whole wheat bread and Bangladeshi brown bread as being synonymous. This may not always be so. In Bangladesh, most commercially available brown bread are actually made of refined flour, with added artificial colouring like molasses or caramel. This would then imply that whole nutritional benefits might not really be available in these Brown breads.



How to make healthy choices: 

Reading the labels very carefully is the best way to find a healthy bread. Some keys to look for on the bread label include "whole grain" or "100% whole wheat." Because these breads are made from whole grain, they contain much more fibre and minerals than bread made from refined flour.

Don't buy a loaf that simply states "wheat" or "multigrain." They can still have lots of white flour in them, with just a little whole grain.


In Short

The thinking here is that the colour of the loaf does not always prove true for a healthy meaning. The type of flour used normally will help determine whether it is white or brown and how well it is related to health. You should always read the signs to make a smart choice.


Never forget that the key to it is balance. The body needs a well-balanced diet containing fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats for everyone, including those who eat the healthiest types of bread.



Read this article to learn about a proper balanced Diet