Nutritionists in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries emphasized the importance of choosing whole grain foods, such as whole grain wheat bread. However, with so many options in most supermarket bread aisles, distinguishing one type of bread from another can be difficult. To put it simply, whole grain wheat bread is made from wheat grains that have not been refined through the milling process. Researchers emphasize that grains that have not been refined are far more nutritious than those that have been refined. Consumers should consult the packaging of a wheat bread to determine whether it contains whole grains.
Unprocessed wheat grains have three main parts: bran, which is a tough outer layer, germ, which is the core from which the plant develops, and endosperm, which is a starchy middle layer that surrounds the germ. Many wheat flours and breads are made from wheat grains that have been milled to remove most of the bran and germ. Whole grain wheat bread, on the other hand, is made from whole, unprocessed wheat grains.
Milled wheat grain has a more uniform consistency, a softer texture, and a milder taste than whole grain wheat, which is why it’s commonly used to make flours and baked goods. Researchers discovered in the late twentieth century, however, that removing wheat’s bran and germ also removed a significant portion of its fiber and nutrient content. Consumers may reap a variety of health benefits by consistently choosing whole grain wheat bread over refined bread. Whole grain wheat bread’s high fiber content may help to reduce the risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease, while its magnesium content may support muscle function.
“Whole grain” has become a buzz term among food manufacturers in the early twenty-first century, and some products that use the term in their labeling are actually made with only a small amount of unrefined grains. As a result, consumers seeking whole grain wheat bread should look for two clues on the product’s packaging to determine whether it is truly whole grain. First and foremost, whole grain wheat should be the first ingredient on the ingredient list. Furthermore, the nutrition profile of the bread should indicate that it contains several grams of fiber per serving.