Is Sourdough Bread Healthy | The Benefits of Sourdough Bread - Cultures For Health (2024)

FAQs

Is Sourdough Bread Healthy | The Benefits of Sourdough Bread - Cultures For Health? ›

Sourdough bread has plenty of health benefits. For starters, it's often easier to digest and supports gut health thanks to the fermentation process and lactic acid content. Sourdough also contains more antioxidants than other types of bread.

Sourdough relies on a mix of wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria, rather than baker's yeast, to leaven the dough. It's richer in nutrients, less likely to spike your blood sugar, contains lower amounts of gluten, and is generally easier to digest than bread made with baker's yeast.

According to some studies, sourdough bread acts as a prebiotic, which means that the fiber in the bread helps feed the “good” bacteria in your intestines. These bacteria are important for maintaining a stable, healthy digestive system. Sourdough is also lower in gluten than other forms of bread.

Health benefits of sourdough. The type of flour used — all-purpose, whole wheat, rye — can affect the nutritional content of sourdough bread, says Wee. But generally speaking, sourdough bread is a healthy option and can be eaten regularly as part of a nutritious, balanced diet.

It's easier on your digestive system, typically has a lower impact on blood sugar, contains prebiotics, and has more readily available nutrients. However, it typically does not contain as much fiber as whole wheat and other whole-grain breads.

The best bread to reduce gut inflammation is bread made from whole grains. Refined grains, such as the grains found in white bread and white pasta, are known to increase inflammation across the whole body. Sourdough bread and rye bread are both good options for an anti-inflammatory diet.

Is sourdough bread good for diabetics? Sourdough bread is made through a slow fermentation process, which may cause this type of bread to raise blood sugar more slowly than other breads. As a result, sourdough bread could be a great choice for those with diabetes.

Although the beneficial microbes in the starter tend to be lost during the baking process, the fibre and plant compounds, called polyphenols, become more bio-available. These act as an important fuel source for our gut microbes, which explains why sourdough is a gut-friendly choice.

How many slices of sourdough should you eat a day? ›

Whether or not it is healthy for you to consume sourdough every day depends on the rest of your diet. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends 6 servings of grains per day. For reference, one slice of sourdough bread is a single serving.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy sourdough is slicing it, drizzling olive oil over the top, warming it up in the oven, spreading garlic cream cheese on top with a splash of dill, lox, red onion, a lemon drizzle, and capers. Or, if you want to keep it dairy-free, use an avocado spread instead of cream cheese.

Compared to whole wheat flour, rye flour is said to be the most nutrient- and amylase-dense option for a sourdough starter. Overall, it has a lower gluten protein content than wheat flour, which means it produces slack, sticky, and dense doughs.

The Bottom Line

Sourdough has made a comeback—and for good reason. It provides nutrients, including healthy carbs, protein, fiber, iron and vitamins like folic acid. It may help improve digestion, lower chronic disease risk and even promote healthy aging.

Fiber, specifically soluble fiber, can help lower bad cholesterol and therefore any bread - including sourdough - that contains a good amount of soluble fiber can help to lower cholesterol. Whole grains contain soluble fiber, so breads made with 100% whole grain flours are the best for cholesterol.

But flour type and personal diet need to play a big role. Is sourdough bread good for weight loss? Yes, it may help in your weight management journey. It's complex carbs and high fibre content can leave you feeling full and limit snacking.

Sourdough Bread is Lower in Calories

If you're watching your calorie intake, sourdough bread can be a smart choice. Compared to some other bread varieties, sourdough generally has a lower calorie count. How many calories in a slice of sourdough bread? A typical slice of sourdough bread contains around 120-140 calories.

However, rice does contain more protein, vitamins, and minerals compared to bread. If you're looking for a healthier alternative to white bread and rice, try opting for multigrain bread, sourdough bread, rye bread, and brown rice. All of these options contain more nutrients than traditional bread and rice choices.