When it comes to getting proper nutrition, choosing the right foods is key. Unfortunately, most medical experts consider many typically “healthy” breakfast foods to be avoided. While these foods may seem like an easy option for the morning meal, they can be some of the worst when it comes to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. In this article, we’re going to look at some common breakfast foods that doctors say should be avoided for those looking for healthy eating habits that nourish their bodies without compromising taste or flavor.
When we decide to take up the challenge of taking care of our diet, doing a little cleaning in our pantries is often a necessary step. Although it is not a question of completely abstaining from certain foods considered less healthy and that we savor only for pleasure, it is essential to moderate their consumption so as not to compromise our nutritional well-being. Among those products that, in fact, have a potentially negative impact on our health far greater than one might imagine, there is one that takes pride of place on the breakfast table in many homes. .
A food consumed by most French people turns out to be unhealthy. Here’s why ?
Indeed, according to a study conducted in 2021 by the QualiQuanti research institute, this food is purchased regularly by 86% of French people. We are referring to sandwich bread.
Sliced bread is an omnipresent food in our daily diet, and yet it is rarely the best option for our health. According to nutrition experts, limiting bread consumption is important for several health-related reasons. Indeed, sandwich bread may contain ingredients and additives that are likely to be harmful to the body.
First, sandwich bread is often made from refined wheat flour, which has lost much of its nutrients and fiber in the refining process. This makes sandwich bread less nutritious than wholemeal or semi-wholemeal bread, and eating it regularly can contribute to an insufficient intake of fiber and other essential nutrients.
Additionally, sliced bread typically contains significant amounts of added sugar and salt, which can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of developing health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. .
In addition, several food additives are added during the production of sandwich bread, such as preservatives, emulsifiers and texture improvers, some of which can have adverse health effects. There are also trans fatty acids in some sandwich breads, which are known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Pascal Goncalves revealed to Le Parisien the worst flaw in sandwich bread that could promote weight gain.
Better known as Dr Food, Dr. Pascal Goncalves shared his opinion on sandwich bread and its consequences on our health in one of the articles in Le Parisien. According to him, although bread is a staple food rich in nutrients, sandwich bread does not have the same nutritional qualities and therefore cannot be considered as real bread.
He points out that the soft texture of sandwich bread requires little chewing effort, which distorts signals of satiety and encourages consumers to eat more. Indeed, the feeling of hunger decreases when a food is chewed sufficiently. However, the tenderness of the sandwich bread makes this chewing less important.
Dr. Goncalves warns against sandwich breads sold “without crust”, which, according to him, are even more harmful to health. Indeed, the absence of a crust makes the job of chewing even easier, pushing consumers to eat more of it due to a lack of satiety. Thus, he recommends avoiding this type of bread and favoring more traditional breads, richer in fiber and essential nutrients.
What can you substitute for sandwich bread for a healthy and balanced breakfast?
Whole grain wholegrain breads are made from whole grain flour which retains most of the grain’s natural nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fiber. Fibre, in particular, is crucial for the proper functioning of intestinal transit and the prevention of constipation. In addition, they help regulate blood sugar levels and promote satiety, which can be beneficial for people wishing to control their weight.
Rye bread is another very interesting alternative. It is rich in soluble fiber, B vitamins and natural antioxidants. This type of bread is also beneficial for the cardiovascular system, as it contains potassium and helps reduce cholesterol levels. In addition, the soluble fibers it contains help regulate digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels.
Sourdough bread is made from a mixture of flour and fermented water, which promotes the natural growth of yeast and bacteria. This fermentation process makes it easier for the body to digest and can be particularly appreciated by people with gluten sensitivities or intolerances. Sourdough bread is also rich in probiotics which contribute to the health of the intestinal flora. In addition, it contains less phytates than other types of bread, which improves the absorption of minerals such as calcium and zinc.