Sweet potatoes are cool but bread is cooler. There's so much you can do with bread and we can't even begin to describe the diversity, that's why you should read this. On its own; slathered in butter; hidden under beans or scrambled eggs; torn into salad; wrapped round some chicken mayo.
Bread is an excellent source of carbohydrates that give our body the energy it needs and plays an important role in balancing the levels of glucose in the blood. Certain types of bread, like whole wheat bread, have a high fibre content, which strengthens the operation of the digestive system.
In the Zimbabwean home sweet potatoes are a selected alternative, for many reasons, but they are seasonal which makes it difficult to depend on. Bread may seem expensive, but truth of the matter is it is a more economical alternative. Why? It can be found through any season, it can be used in various forms, and can provide great health benefits.
Vitamins A and C don't even register on the charts for bread, while sweet potatoes offer a good source of vitamin C and some potassium. Potassium has to be limited in the human which means the consumption of sweet potatoes should be limited. High potassium can even cause a heart attack.
Potato: 161 Calories, 36.6g Carbs.
Whole Wheat Slice Bread: 100 Calories, 22g Carbs.
Now the sugar level in sweet potatoes is dependent on how they are prepared. Sweet potatoes have a low Glycaemic Index (GI). Bread has a lower GI in comparison which makes it the better option.
The Big Myth: Carbs are fattening
Fact: It’s not the carbs making you fat, it’s the sugar and calories
“Anything is fattening if you eat too much of it, and not all carbohydrate-containing foods have the same calorie density,” says Bowerman. “This myth persists because many people who eat a lot of refined carbs and sugar do lose weight when they cut back on these foods. But it isn’t because they’ve cut out all of the carbs, it’s because they have cut out a lot of the calorie-dense foods.
The Fibre in bread can reduce the risk of:
• cardiovascular disease.
• type 2 diabetes.
• hypertension, or high blood pressure.
• colon cancer.
• obesity.
Fibre is also helpful for another bodily function: bowel movements. Whole grain carbs keep your digestive system on track and waste moving through your body in a consistent cycle.
Bread is relatively low in calories. An average medium slice of white bread contains 77 calories, brown contains 72 calories and wholemeal contains 79 calories.
You'll feel happier when you eat bread.
Feeling sad? Have a sandwich. The carbohydrates increase the brain’s level of feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin, which elevates your mood and curbs cravings for unhealthier snacks like sweets. It’s a two-for-one deal: you’ll reduce your stress and anxiety while also slimming your waistline.
What makes bread so special?
BENEFITS OF BREAD #1: Fibre
We need to eat more fibre. Bread contains fibre. Fibre helps lower cholesterol levels and control blood sugar levels.
BENEFITS OF BREAD #2: Calcium
Calcium helps maintain healthy bones and teeth. Bread provides over 10% of the calcium in our diet.
BENEFITS OF BREAD #3: Iron
Iron is needed to transport oxygen round the body. Most young women do not eat enough iron; therefore, most young women should probably eat more bread.
BENEFITS OF BREAD #4: It’s low in sugar and fat
Bread is naturally low in both sugar and fat.
BENEFITS OF BREAD #5: It’s convenient
It’s sold in supermarkets, bakeries, local shops, petrol stations. You can even freeze it.
BENEFITS OF BREAD #6: It’s versatile
You can toast it, fry it, crumb it; eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper, or for a midnight snack. There is a bread-centric meal for anyone and everyone: beans on toast, egg and sausages, croutons, bread and honey.
BENEFITS OF BREAD #7: It’s cost effective
Bread comes at an affordable price which makes it a staple for any home.
BENEFITS OF BREAD #9: It tastes great
Bread tastes amazing, from whole wheat, seed loaf or plain white bread. The taste of bread goes with anything either sweet or savoury.
We love bread! Grab your favourite baker's inn loaf at a store near you and enjoy all these awesome benefits.
