Now that you’ve learned about the health benefits of white rice, are you ready to learn about the health benefits of… white bread? What?!? Wait! I’m not talking about your everyday white sandwich bread out of a bag- I’m talking about sourdough bread which happens to be radically different than any other bread around.
The reason sourdough is so different is because it’s made by the process of fermentation. This is the same process that happens when cabbage gets turned into sauerkraut meaning it starts to colonize healthy bacteria. To reap the true benefits the dough has to ferment for at least 12 hours.
Phytates found in grains are broken down through the process of fermentation, which in plain English means magnesium, iron and zinc become easier for the body to assimilate and absorb. Fermentation also helps break down some of the compounds of gluten making it far more digestible, good news for anyone with gluten intolerance! If gluten gives you a tummy ache chances are that a good slice of sourdough won’t. Since it still contains some gluten compounds I’d still stay away from it if you have Celiacs disease.
Sourdough also keeps you fuller longer and doesn’t cause the same blood sugar spike as regular white bread. So now you can feel good about adding a slice of sourdough to your breakfast – or even having it as a snack with some coconut oil or grass-fed butter!
Jacqueline Banks, who grew up in Casa de Campo, is a certified holistic health counselor and busy mother.
Her focus is on helping other busy moms in all stages of motherhood keep themselves and families healthy and happy. She uses natural and organic solutions to solve individual health problems and promote clean living.
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