Is Sourdough Bread Good for You?
Date:
04 Jul 2024
What is Sourdough bread?
Sourdough bread is a type of fermented dough that is popularly consumed in meals.
Sourdough bread is a specific type of gluten-containing bread that is good for our gut bacteria due to the fermentation process, making it easier for our bodies to digest.1 It is also very tasty!
Let's take a closer look at the benefits of sourdough.
Is sourdough healthier for you than regular bread?
Whilst there is nothing wrong with more regular bread, sourdough is generally considered healthier due to its digestibility and nutrient content.1
Compared to other types of bread, sourdough contains higher levels of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals such as niacin, folate, magnesium, and potassium.3 It also contains lower levels of phytate, which allows our bodies to absorb the nutrients more easily.3
Is Sourdough bread good for the gut?
According to various studies, sourdough bread acts as a prebiotic, meaning its fibre helps feed the "good" bacteria in our intestines. These bacteria are crucial to maintain a balanced and healthy digestive system. This type of bread is also lower in gluten than others, making it more tolerable for people with allergies or certain digestive conditions such as Crohn's disease or IBS.4
So yes - sourdough is good for the gut!
Can you eat sourdough bread every day?
In general, as long as you can tolerate it and do not have a gluten allergy, you can consume sourdough bread every day.
However, due to its heaviness in the gut, we recommend not overconsuming it or keeping servings to a minimum daily. Even healthy foods should be consumed in moderation!.2 A healthy diet should contain varied carbohydrates such as rice, sweet potatoes, and whole grains to feed our gut bacteria.2
Conclusion
In conclusion, sourdough bread is an excellent alternative to non-fermented breads that are harder to digest. Due to its prebiotic fibres, it is one of the healthiest breads to consume.We highly recommend it as a tasty addition to your gut-healthy routine!
References
2: D'Amico, V., Gänzle, M., Call, L., Zwirzitz, B., Grausgruber, H., D'Amico, S., & Brouns, F. (2023). Does sourdough bread provide clinically relevant health benefits? Frontiers in nutrition, 10, 1230043. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1230043
3: Ribet, L., Dessalles, R., Lesens, C., Brusselaers, N., & Durand-Dubief, M. (2023). Nutritional benefits of sourdoughs: A systematic review. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 14(1), 22–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advnut.2022.10.003
4: Menezes, L. A. A., Minervini, F., Filannino, P., Sardaro, M. L. S., Gatti, M., & Lindner, J. D. (2018). Effects of Sourdough on FODMAPs in Bread and Potential Outcomes on Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients and Healthy Subjects. Frontiers in microbiology, 9, 1972. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01972
