Introduced by the British, bread is a basic staple in Indian households now. It makes for the easiest and least time-consuming breakfast options. Bread is easy to chew on, digestible, and loved by children and elders alike. However, preferences in how to consume the bread may make or break its health components. Most people prefer toasted bread while some like to eat it soft and plain as is. Let’s find out which bread is healthier: toasted bread or plain bread

Toasted bread vs. plain bread

Toasting the bread requires heating it in an electric toaster or a pan. The chemical reaction during toasting alters bread's molecular structure by breaking down carbohydrates and reducing water content. This transformation leads to different taste, texture, and potential health advantages. Toasting bread creates chemical changes that can provide health benefits, including a lower glycemic index and easier digestion compared to untoasted bread. The study by Frontiers in Nutrition examines how the toasting process breaks down carbohydrates and reduces water content, potentially beneficial for diabetics, weight management, and digestive issues.

Better for diabetics

Toast has demonstrated a lower glycemic index than untoasted plain bread. Therefore eating plain bread can result in smaller blood sugar spikes after consumption. The chemical reaction during toasting reduces the carbohydrate content, though the difference is modest. For diabetics, toast may be a better option than untoasted bread due to its lower glycemic index. Understanding food's impact on blood sugar is crucial for diabetes management.

Great for losing weight

Weight loss efforts might benefit slightly from choosing toast over bread. Research has linked poor blood sugar control to weight gain, making toast's lower glycemic index potentially advantageous for weight management.

Aids digestion

Toast's reduced water content makes it beneficial for digestive issues. It adds bulk to stool and slows down digestion, making it a key component of the BRAT diet (banana, rice, applesauce, toast) recommended for managing diarrhea. According to the studies referenced by the Journal of Food Science, the research on bread versus toast nutrition has been conducted using white bread.



Make it more nutritious

Adding toppings to toast can enhance its nutritional value. Peanut butter on toast provides a balanced combination of carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Using whole-grain toast adds fiber, which increases satiety. Butter on toast, while lacking protein, can still be nutritious when using whole-grain bread. The fiber content in whole-grain bread provides health benefits regardless of the topping chosen.

Remember to not burn the toast

The nutritional differences between toast and bread are minimal when bread is lightly or moderately toasted. Significant nutritional changes only occur when bread is burnt, though at this point it becomes inedible. However, burning toast can create acrylamide, a potentially carcinogenic compound. Health experts advise discarding burnt toast to avoid potential health risks from frequent consumption of this substance.