Jan.19: FOOD AND HEALTH
- Posted by CERC India
- Posted in JANUARY
Is toast healthier than bread?Â
Many of us start our day with slices of crisp, warm, golden brown toast spread with butter or jam. The more health conscious may just dip plain toast in their tea or warm milk. Apart from improving flavour and taste, toasting also makes stale bread palatable. But how healthy is toast as compared to bread?
Perfect sliceÂ
Interestingly, scientists have revealed that a perfect slice of toast is one that has been cooked for exactly 216 seconds and is 14 mm thick! What gives toast that appetizing flavour is a scientific process called the Malliard reaction similar to caramelisation.
Good for diabetics: People with diabetes should eat toast rather than bread. A study published in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition in May 2018, found that toasted bread has a lower glycemic index. Foods having lower glycemic index are less likely to cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
Helpful for diarrhoea and nausea: ​Toast is a part of the recommended BRAT (bananas, rice, apple sauce and toast) diet for those suffering from diarrhea. Munching on a toast also reduces feelings of nausea.Â
Energy boost: Since toast contains starch (but without the high glycemic index) it gives you the energy you need during the day.
Burnt toast and cancer: Toasting bread increases the content of a chemical called acrylamide linked to cancer. UK’s Food Standards Agency warns against eating burnt toast. However, studies have yet to prove whether there is any real danger in the small amounts of acrylamide consumed. Still, it is better to consume lightly toasted bread.
Reduction in B vitamins: Toast has slightly less of certain B vitamins as compared to bread. For instance, a slice of whole-grain bread has 5% of the daily requirement for folate and thiamine, while the same bread toasted has only 4%.
Fat and calories: Many people think that toasts have less fat or calories than bread because they are lighter, but this is a myth. The decrease in weight is due to removal of moisture.
Sources: Times of India, www.livestrong.com, www.dailymail.co.uk, www.thesun.co.uk
