Low-carb bread is typically higher in protein and fibre. It is also very versatile, which makes it an excellent resource for those who are on a low-carb diet or want to lose weight. It can be used as toast or used with oatmeal to make muffins, pancakes, and sandwiches; the possibilities are endless!
Low-carb bread has many health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation, and preventing heart disease. The below-listed portion covers more information about low-carb bread from a nutrition perspective to help readers learn about this healthier alternative to regular bread.
What is low-carb bread made of?
Low-carb bread’s main ingredient is flour made from seeds and grains such as almonds, soy, and flax. Most of the bread is usually made with almond flour, but you can buy bread with other types of flour too.
Almond flour is a nutty grain that tastes great with nuts, so if you are eating almond butter for lunch or dinner, then grab a slice of low-carb bread to go with it. Almond flour has a light brown colour and is very absorbent when baking. It also has no gluten, meaning it will not harden when baked like regular wheat flour.
Here are some of the ingredients used in low-carb bread to replace wheat:
Flax seeds are an excellent substitute for wheat because they are high in fibre, protein, lignans and Omega 3 fatty acids. These flax seeds can be found in the grocery store either whole or ground up for baking. Buckwheat is another grain that is used in low-carb bread. It has a nutty flavour and is also high in protein, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus.
What makes low-carb breads healthier?
Low-carb bread is a great way to reduce carbohydrate intake, which is one of the primary factors of weight loss. It also has one of the highest fibre levels compared to other bread types, which helps you feel fuller longer and prevents overeating. Low-carb bread is also high in protein and fibre, preventing your stomach from becoming distended.
One slice of low-carb bread will have about 14 grams of fibre and about 6 grams of protein compared to a slice of wheat bread with 2.8 grams of fibre and 5.5 grams of protein. They have various types, including multi-grain, rye, cinnamon raisin, sourdough, almond and onion.
Significant differences between low-carb loaves of bread and regular bread?
1. Carbohydrates
The main difference between low-carb bread and regular bread is the number of carbs. Regular bread has about 45 grams of carbs in one slice, which is about 15 grams more than one slice of low-carb almond bread.
It is because the flour used to make this type of bread is made from a different source with lower amounts of carbs. You can only find these carbs in baked goods, fruits, or dairy products such as milk and yoghurt.
2. Fibre content
Low-carb bread will have about 14 grams or more per slice compared to a slice with only 2 or 3 grams per slice. It is mainly because these types of bread are made with flour with higher fibre content. Heart-healthy diets should consist of at least 25 to 35 fibre per day.
3. Protein content
Low-carb bread will have about 6 grams per slice compared to a slice of regular bread with about 5 grams per slice. The protein found in low-carb bread is from the nuts or seeds used to make them which contain high amounts of protein. Plant-based protein sources are safer for healthy living because they do not contain cholesterol or saturated fats from animal foods.
4. Organic ingredients
Low-carb bread is usually made with organic ingredients because it has zero trans fat, high fibre, and no preservatives. Low-carb bread is also free from preservatives and chemicals used by ordinary bakeries.
Advantages of low-carb bread over regular bread:
1. High in fibre content
Low-carb bread contains high amounts of fibre, filling you up quicker. It is what makes it an excellent substitute for regular bread. Fibre will also help prevent heart disease and diabetes by lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
2. Healthy alternatives to wheat
Low-carb loaves of bread are made from almost the same ingredients as everyday bread but have fewer carbs, fewer calories, and lower glycaemic indexes, which means that after eating them, you will feel fuller longer and not have spikes in your blood sugar levels. Eating low-carb bread gives you a healthier alternative with fewer calories, more protein, and more fibre than regular bread.
3. No trans fats
Trans fats are horrible for your health and make it harder for you to lose weight. Trans fat is found in many low-carb pieces of bread and is created by adding hydrogenated oils to the flour while making regular bread.
4. No preservatives
Most of the time, when you buy regular bread at the grocery store, preservatives such as sodium benzoate or sodium hydroxide are added to the product. These preservatives can raise blood pressure, damage organs, cause cancer, and alter cell structures, leading to a shorter lifespan in your body. Therefore, you should avoid eating these types of bread since they are not healthy for your body.