Sourdough contains a variety of vitamins and nutrients, making it super beneficial to your day-to-day health. Sourdough bread has small to moderate amounts of: iron, manganese, calcium, B1-B6, B12, folate, zinc, potassium, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, selenium, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin E.
Scientists, nutritionists, and health experts all agree that naturally-fermented sourdough bread is healthier than 'regular' white or whole wheat bread – for a multitude of reasons! Sourdough is more nutritious, easier to digest, and has a lower glycemic index. Sourdough also contains less gluten than other bread.
Sourdough has made a comeback—and for good reason. It's packed with nutrients, healthy carbs, protein, fiber, iron and vitamins like folate. It can improve digestion, lower chronic disease risk and even promote healthy aging.
According to some studies, sourdough bread acts as a prebiotic, which means that the fiber in the bread helps feed the “good” bacteria in your intestines. These bacteria are important for maintaining a stable, healthy digestive system. Sourdough is also lower in gluten than other forms of bread.
The quick answer. Sourdough bread is perfect for a balanced diet and can aid weight loss because it has a lower glycemic index (GI), easy-to-digest gluten, friendly bacteria and a delicious taste! It's also fairly filling, so one slice (or 1/2 large slice) will be enough for most apetites.
It's nutritious.
Sourdough contains a variety of vitamins and nutrients, making it super beneficial to your day-to-day health.
A standard sourdough loaf is made from two simple ingredients, flour and water – or three, if you add salt. So standard sourdough isn't keto, because standard, all-purpose flour is made from grain (usually wheat), meaning it's high-carb . Therefore, anyone following a strict ketogenic diet should avoid it.
Sourdough bread's benefits range from reducing the risk of heart disorders to promoting nutrient absorption. It has a low glycemic index and is a good bread option for those watching their after-meal blood sugar spikes. However, overindulging in it may lead to gas and bloating due to its fermented nature.
How much sourdough bread is a healthy amount to consume in a day? It is currently recommended to consume 6 servings of grains per day. One sourdough slice of bread is equal to one serving.
The high protein content of sourdough not only helps keep you feeling full for a longer period of time, eating plenty of protein is also key to building and maintaining muscle mass. For an even greater protein bump, try making whole wheat sourdough bread.
Sourdough bread doesn't contain sugar, while ordinary sandwich bread often does. Otherwise, the macronutrients depend on the kind of flour used. Whole wheat flour will generally contain more fiber than white flour. Enriched flour will also have vitamins and minerals to offer.
You would need to do specific detailed calculations for an accurate measure, however, on average 2 slices of sourdough bread weighing 64g each will contain around 348 calories.
Sourdough bread contains lactic acid, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Adding sourdough bread to your diet can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
However, whole-grain sourdough bread consumption has significantly increased LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in certain participants with specific genes (APOE E3/E3).
Pros: For many, sourdough is easier to digest and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Cons: Sourdough is a calorie dense bread, meaning it can be hard to maintain your weight.
The Healthier Choice: Multigrain
Both loaves have about 80 calories, negligible fat, and 3 grams of protein per slice, but the multigrain delivers about two times more fiber than the sourdough. Make it into a sandwich and you've nabbed about a quarter of your recommended daily fiber intake.
In addition, sourdough bread is healthier than regular white bread because sourdough does not typically include added refined sugar while regular white bread does contain added refined sugar.
Whole-grain bread, Ezekiel bread, and rye bread are among the most healthful options. Bread made from whole or sprouted grains contains essential nutrients, including protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Others, such as processed white bread, contain very few nutrients.
"Let's talk about my favorite bread for digestion and gut health: Sourdough bread. Sourdough is incredible because these microbes are transforming the flour," Dr. Bulsiewicz explains in the Instagram Reel, referring to the way the wild yeasts react with the flour and water in the sourdough starter.
Sourdough bread (1 medium slice) contains 16.1g total carbs, 15.4g net carbs, 0.8g fat, 3.3g protein, and 84 calories.
Sourdough contains less sugar, even when made with white flour. Both light and dark rye bread have a relatively low GI. Try to buy fresh from the bakery instead of the store, and go organic when possible. Even “healthy” multigrain bread can contain nasty sugar levels.
Sourdough Nutrition
1-ounce slice of sourdough white bread contains 77 calories, 3 grams protein, 15 g carbohydrate, and 1 g fiber. 1-ounce slice of white bread contains 75 calories, 2.5 grams protein, 14 g carbohydrate, and 1 g fiber. You may get more nutrients out of a slice of sourdough, though.