As the world grows more and more health conscious, debates involving the ‘health’ levels of certain foods are emerging. Particularly with carbohydrates and bread, a growing debate is one between wholemeal bread and sourdough bread. While wholemeal bread has been around for quite some time, sourdough is one that has only just risen in popularity.
Perhaps because of all its new found glory, many individuals also believe sourdough bread to be more ‘healthy’ than wholemeal and wholewheat bread. But how true is this assumption and what exactly are the differences between the two breads? Keep reading to find out!
Getting to know sourdough bread
Sourdough bread is a naturally leavened bread, meaning unlike most, it does not require commercial yeast in its dough to rise. Instead, sourdough uses a ‘starter’ – a fermented flour and water mixture – which contains wild yeast and other good bacteria to rise. Other than using a ‘starter’, sourdough bread contains other common ingredients such as flour, water and salt.
By using a ‘starter’ sourdough bread is inherently more tangy when baked and slightly more chewy in texture than regular bread as well. In addition to its unique taste and texture, sourdough bread also has a few characteristics which help to grow its reputation as a ‘healthy bread’.
They include:
- Having a low Glycemic Index. This means that sourdough has a lower concentration of starch and sugar than other breads. Having lower levels of starch and sugar content means that sourdough bread is overall ‘healthier’ than white bread.
- Increased mineral absorption. During its fermentation process, sourdough bread is able to absorb its available minerals. This means that sourdough bread can be healthier than regular bread due to containing more magnesium, copper, zinc and iron minerals which are healthy for the body in certain amounts.
- Being gut friendly. Sourdough bread is also more gut friendly than other breads due to its slow fermentation process. It is easier to digest and is light on your gut.
Getting to know wholemeal bread
Moving onto wholemeal bread, wholemeal bread is bread that is made from whole grains which have been milled to a fine texture, causing the bread to turn brown in appearance. Due to using wholemeal flour, wholemeal bread has more fibre than regular white bread, and also contains more vitamins and minerals. Wholemeal bread is widely agreed upon to be more healthy than white bread – however the debt arises when compared with sourdough bread.
Like sourdough bread, there are many benefits to wholemeal bread. They include:
- Having high fibre content. Wholemeal breads include the bran part of the wheat in its ingredients, which is the area which has the most fibre. Fibre helps with keeping you energised and feeling full.
- Being rich in vitamin B. Wholemeal bread is also particularly rich in vitamin B. It contains higher levels of Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3 and Vitamin B9.
- Containing more minerals. Wholemeal bread is richer in minerals than regular white bread. It contains high levels of iron, magnesium, selenium and zinc.
What is the difference between sourdough bread and wholemeal bread?
Despite both bread options being relatively healthy – especially when compared to regular white bread – there are a few key differences between them. Whole wheat bread in actuality contains more resistant starch than sourdough bread, and also has more fibre, meaning it is friendlier to the gut and easier to digest.
However, sourdough bread contains more nutrients and minerals, and also contains antioxidants (which wholemeal bread doesn’t). As a result, it can be seen that both have their benefits and can be ‘healthier’ depending on an individual’s own health state. When it comes to making a choice between the two, it is recommended that you investigate your body’s needs (e.g. are you having trouble with digestion or do you need more of a certain mineral?) and decide on a bread that is most suited to you.
For the best of both worlds, individuals can look to try wholemeal sourdough bread. Available at most cafe, restaurant and bakery suppliers, wholemeal sourdough bread incorporates all the benefits of sourdough bread and wholemeal bread, and means you don’t have to make a tough decision between the two.