Toast bread: A convenient trap with hidden health risks
Toast bread is very popular in Poland, primarily for its practicality. After opening the package, the slices stay fresh for up to two weeks. You don’t need to visit the bakery daily; just pop it into the toaster, and breakfast is almost ready. However, this convenience comes at a cost to your health. Consumed regularly, it may contribute to type 2 diabetes.
Comparing the ingredients of toast bread to whole grain bread reveals significant differences. The ingredient list for toast bread is much longer. In the case of bread, "more" doesn’t mean "better." Fewer ingredients indicate a more natural product. Toast bread contains many additives to enhance taste and extend shelf life, which should raise concerns.
How does toast bread affect the body?
Although toast bread doesn’t contain substances posing a direct threat to health, nutritionists point out that it's less healthy than its traditional counterpart. It is full of empty calories, providing a brief energy boost. After a short time, this boost fades, tempting you to eat more. For those on a weight-loss diet, this can be challenging. The better choice for health is whole-grain bread, rich in fiber and minerals.
While toast bread is initially made from grains rich in vitamins and minerals, those nutrient levels drop almost to zero during the wheat milling process. A significant amount of calories remains, primarily due to its high carbohydrate content. In 3.5 ounces of toast bread, there are 247 calories and 47.6 grams of carbohydrates.
How is toast bread made?
Toast bread is soft and stretchy in the middle, surrounded by the same evenly browned thin crust. When heated in a toaster, the bread turns golden and becomes crispy. In stores, this type of bread is available in various shapes. Most often, slices are square, but there are also triangular or star-shaped ones. Thanks to packaging in special foil, the bread stays fresh for up to two weeks.
Toast bread is made using leavened dough in bakeries that prioritize the cleanliness of the production process. Historically, large amounts of yeast were used, affecting the taste negatively. Today, yeasts that handle high doses of propionic acid and salt are employed.
What is in toast bread?
An example of buttery toast bread includes the following ingredients:
- 65% wheat flour,
- water,
- wheat sourdough bread,
- 2.8% concentrated butter,
- yeast,
- salt,
- sugar,
- broad bean flour,
- flour processing agent: ascorbic acid,
- acidity regulator: sodium acetates, ethyl alcohol.
While the butter content provides vitamins A, D, E, and K, ingredients such as salt, sugar, and preservatives negatively impact the body.
Excessive salt can lead to high blood pressure. Sugar raises the product's glycemic index, potentially leading to blood sugar fluctuations. The flour processing agent (ascorbic acid) and acidity regulator (sodium acetates) are commonly used in food production, but excessive consumption may lead to unwanted effects, such as gastrointestinal problems or allergic reactions.
Choose a healthier alternative
According to experts, toast bread is a dietary trap. Due to its ingredients and nutritional values, it is not recommended for daily consumption. Combined with other sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals, it can be part of a varied diet, provided you consume it occasionally. A much healthier alternative is whole-grain rye bread.
