Most people have heard that they shouldn’t eat white bread over other breads–but that may not know the reason why. At first glance, white bread doesn’t seem dissimilar from other whole grain breads on the grocery shelf. And no matter which bread you pick, they will all be high in carbs.
The distinction lies in the belly fat-causing properties of white bread, experts warn.
“By design bread is a high carbohydrate food, but this doesn’t mean all breads contribute to lower belly fat,” Lisa Richards, certified nutritional coach and creator of The Candida Diet tells us.
“Breads made with refined carbohydrates and highly processed, like white bread, are used rapidly by the body and stored as fat easily, specifically belly fat.” Yikes! Here’s everything you need to know:
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White bread
"Studies show that eating whole grain breads that have not been enriched contribute to lowering visceral fat," Lisa explains.
"One slice has about 80 calories and 15 grams of carbohydrate; from white flour which is a form of simple carbohydrate and easily overeaten," Dr. Amy Lee, board certified doctor in internal medicine, medical nutrition and obesity medicine and partner of Nucific, agrees.
Bloating is also exacerbated by the gluten and preservative content. "White flour contains gluten and other added preservatives. Gluten is well known to cause bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort for some people when they are gluten intolerant. Microscopically, it could cause localized inflammation and irregularity of the gut and clinically cause symptoms of bloating, gas and diarrhea," Dr. Lee explains.
So, what should you eat instead? "When making your next sandwich opt for a whole grain bread rather than white bread made with refined carbohydrates," Lisa advises.
