White Bread

By Holly Bieler

Updated on 26. Jul. 2020

Read up on the nutritional benefits and drawbacks of this culinary staple.

White bread...

...is very easy on the stomach.
With its light consistency, white bread is easy digestible, making it suitable even if you’re sick or have a very sensitive stomach.
...can strengthen the intestinal flora.
An Italian study found that people who consumed white bread daily had more lactic acid bacteria in their bodies, which play an important role in keeping your intestinal flora healthy. The reason seems to be the hemicellulose (a soluble dietary fiber) contained in white bread.
...has relatively few calories.
With about 70 calories per 30 gram slice, bread is low in calories. However it doesn’t contain any dietary fiber, meaning that a serving won’t keep you full for long.
...is low in protein.
A slice of white bread contains just 2 grams of protein. Therefore it’s best to pair white bread with a protein-rich ingredient, such as eggs, cheese or a lean meat.
...contains few nutrients.
Especially compared to nutrient-rich whole wheat bread, white bread contains only negligible amounts of vitamins and minerals.
...slows down digestion.
Because white bread contains hardly any roughage, it doesn’t promote digestion. On the contrary, too much white bread can lead to constipation.
...might contribute to developing diabetes.
In a Finnish study, researchers found that a diet rich in white bread can increase the risk of diabetes. This is because the carbohydrates in white bread cause the blood sugar level to rise steeply very quickly. The body then releases insulin, which "sends" sugar into the body's cells, and in the longerm can help make the cells become resistant to the insulin.