It's safe to say that one of our favorite fermented foods to enjoy daily is sourdough bread. When making sourdough bread, a starter is used to ferment the dough beforehand. The amount of probiotics found in sourdough bread is increased through fermentation, producing a loaf great for gut health.
Sourdough bread is the best bread for gut health. This is due to the fermentation process of sourdough bread. In contrast to white bread, which is made with commercial yeast, sourdough bread is made with a sourdough starter made from wild yeast.
Sourdough. Sourdough is easier on the stomach than other kinds of bread due to its prebiotics, making it easier to digest.
Yes, sourdough contains the gut-friendly lactobacillus bacteria, but the high heat of baking destroys these probiotics. So, unless you'd like to eat the raw dough, sourdough is not a probiotic food. However, it does have some digestive benefits.
In addition, the acidity created during sourdough fermentation increases the proteolytic activity of enzymes and proteins, helping to break down gluten. For anyone with leaky gut syndrome, gluten has the potential to increase inflammation.
Sourdough. You can't go wrong with sourdough, especially when you're sticking to a gut-healthy diet. When it comes to all-natural foods that support gut health, nearly all fermented foods are excellent. During the process of fermentation, good-for-you bacteria known as probiotics are formed.
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.
Sourdough bread beats the bloat
When it comes to bloating, all bread is not equal! Many people find it hard to digest commercially produced bread because it seems to cause IBS symptoms, such as bloating and wind.
Sourdough bread's fermentation process breaks down those hard-to-digest fructans and may give you at least one great, gluten-containing bread option that you can enjoy without worrying about setting off bloating. Plus, sourdough bread actually helps your digestion, in addition to other health benefits.
Rye products are rich in fiber:
Whole-grain rye flour is richer in necessary dietary fiber than whole-grain wheat flour. Fibers stimulate bowel function and reduce the risk of constipation. They increase the viscosity of the food mass, thus slowing down the emptying of the stomach and small intestine.
Rye bread's high fiber content and whole grain properties contribute to improved digestive health and blood sugar regulation. Sourdough bread's long fermentation process breaks down phytic acid, making it more easily digestible and potentially beneficial for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.
Sourdough is one such bread which is recommended due to its anti-inflammatory grains. The bread is created through fermentation making its vitamins easier to digest. Sourdough is also low-glycaemic meaning it won't spike a person's blood sugars and also contains prebiotics which form during the fermenting process.
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.
“Yogurt is associated with decreased inflammation, decreased insulin resistance and it may prevent type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Hu says. Nutrition researchers believe yogurt's anti-inflammatory power comes from the probiotics it contains, but that has yet to be confirmed with rigorous trials, he says.
In sourdough, the lactic acid bacteria produce an enzyme called phytase, which effectively 'pre-digests' the phytic acid during the extended fermentation. This partially neutralises the effects of the phytic acid and makes the bread easy for us to digest.
Sourdough bread may be easier to digest than white bread for some people. 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.
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.
'In the U.K., white flour is fortified with calcium, iron, vitamin B1 and B3, so white sourdough is a source of these and also carbohydrates - and all these nutrients form part of a healthy diet. 'However, white sourdough is lower in fibre than wholewheat varieties…
The bottom line. Sourdough is a healthier alternative to regular white or whole wheat bread. Although it has comparable nutrients, the lower phytate levels mean it is more digestible and nutritious. The prebiotics also help to keep your gut bacteria happy, and it may be less likely to spike blood sugar levels.
As the dough ferments, it produces enzymes that break down phytic acid. Phytic acid can lead to gas production in those with IBS and can inhibit the body's ability to absorb nutrients, according to Kimbell in her new book The Sourdough School. Basically, you poop out all the good stuff.