Did you know that sourdough bread offers many health benefits? It’s true! Sourdough bread contains lots of probiotics, which can help improve your digestion, lower your cholesterol levels, and even boost your immune system. Fortunately, this bread is not hard to find in stores and online for example at https://www.youkneadsourdough.com.au/.
This article will describe 8 of the most popular benefits of sourdough bread, as well as where you can find it and what it tastes like when you take your first bite. The good news? It’s delicious!
1. Sourdough – an overview
What is sourdough? Most simply, it’s a traditional way to ferment flour using natural bacteria (usual lactobacillus) that create a tangy acidity. This process allows you to preserve baked goods for longer periods, while still retaining some nutrients. It’s also just delicious! Traditional bread recipes are heavy on yeast, which makes them light and fluffy—but leaves them with less nutrition than their sourdough counterparts.
The fermentation process in sourdough also produces probiotics, which can help aid digestion. One study found that children who ate more fermented foods had fewer problems with constipation than those who didn’t eat as many fermented foods. So how does it taste? Because of its distinctive flavor profile—it’s much more tart than regular bread—some people might not love it at first try; but once they get used to it, they tend to prefer it over other types of bread or crackers. Check MyDailySourdoughBread.com for an easy recipe.
2. Improves digestion
According to a study published in May 2017, sourdough contains high levels of lactobacilli that are naturally fermented. In addition to breaking down starches, lactobacilli convert some sugars into lactic acid, which can aid in digestion.
Therefore, sourdough bread (bread made from yeast-leavened with bacteria), when consumed as part of a meal may improve digestion, said researchers. In other words: If you’ve got digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome or bloating—or if you’re simply trying to maximize your nutrient absorption—try swapping in some sourdough for white bread.
3. Boosts our immune system
The lactic acid created by sourdough helps to increase your immune system, which protects you from any pathogens (harmful microorganisms). This results in a higher level of nutrients making it into your system. This means you’ll have more energy and feel better overall. The bacteria living on sourdough kill other harmful bacteria that can cause disease or illness; meaning once again, fewer pathogenic invaders will get through to your body.
There are no scientific studies that prove sourdough bread can boost our immune systems in reality; however, if eaten regularly (and as part of a healthy diet), there is no reason to think it would not contribute positively.
4. All kinds of benefits!
According to research, sourdough bread is high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, and it has a lower glycemic index than typical bread. That’s all great news for your gut health—but if you’re still looking for more reasons to eat sourdough, here is an example:
Improved Digestion: Like most fermented foods (like yogurt or kefir), sourdough bread is full of healthy probiotics that promote digestive health by balancing intestinal bacteria. A healthy balance in gut flora can aid in digestion as well as keep you from getting sick from pathogens such as E. coli or salmonella.
5. The secret ingredient in your kitchen cabinet
Did you know that sourdough bread is a powerhouse of nutrients? When it comes to adding protein, calcium, iron, zinc, and folic acid to your diet without adding refined sugar or processed carbs (because it doesn’t use white flour), sourdough wins! Not only does sourdough have less yeast than standard bread making it easier on your digestive system, but its low glycemic index means your blood sugar stays at a steady level all day. This keeps you feeling fuller longer, reducing late-night cravings.
6. What makes sourdough healthy?
Sourdough bread is not simply delicious—it can also be healthy. There are quite a few health benefits associated with sourdough bread that you might want to know about. For example, a study from Denmark in 2000 found that rye sourdough is better for maintaining normal blood sugar levels than regular bread. And another study from Sweden found that sourdough fermented for 18 hours had higher amounts of short-chain fatty acids than regular pieces of bread.
These acids may help reduce cholesterol levels as well as boost immune system function. (Bonus: This means you’re less likely to get sick or caught off guard by viruses.) Another important benefit to consider is how sourdough can help slow digestion, meaning you will feel fuller for longer periods after eating it!
7. Nutritional value
Sourdough is extremely nutritious, with many vitamins and minerals. Compared to regular bread, sourdough is higher in protein, dietary fiber, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron, and B vitamins (riboflavin and niacin). It also contains an essential vitamin called thiamine which helps control your appetite.
When you eat sourdough instead of regular bread you are ingesting more minerals such as calcium, magnesium, selenium, and potassium. And it’s even better if you bake it yourself!
8. Easy ways to incorporate this into your diet…with recipes!
Anyone who’s ever made sourdough knows that it requires effort. You can’t simply go to your grocery store or farmers market to buy a loaf because traditional sourdough is typically fermented for days, sometimes weeks.
That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all its perks in your daily life—you just need to tweak them slightly. If you don’t have time for fermenting, try eating whole-grain sourdough instead of refined wheat products (like white bread). Whole-grain sourdough has more fiber than regular wheat as well as vitamins B1, B2, B3, and potassium; sodium is also lower in whole-grain sourdough.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to know about sourdough, from its benefits to its culinary applications. But before you turn up your nose at it—or any other food for that matter—take a moment to research it for yourself. The last thing you want is regret due to poor decision-making. So make sure you ask lots of questions, research all your options, and only consume foods you’re fully comfortable with!