Best way to store bread for better gut health
Photo: A healthier way to store bread has been revealed (Freepik)
Storing bread in the freezer is a simple household trick that comes with unexpected health benefits. During freezing and subsequent reheating, the structure of the starch in bread changes, making it significantly more beneficial for gut health, the Eating Well reports.
What happens when bread is frozen
Freezing, thawing, and toasting bread alter the molecular structure of starch. The starches recrystallize into a form that is more resistant to digestion in the small intestine. This is known as resistant starch.
This newly formed resistant starch reaches the large intestine, as fiber does. Instead of being quickly broken down into glucose and absorbed into the bloodstream, it becomes fuel for beneficial gut bacteria.
This simple act may transform a portion of the carbohydrates in your bread into a prebiotic-like food for the microbiome.
Benefits
Better blood sugar control
One of the most well-documented benefits of this process is its impact on blood sugar levels. Because resistant starch is not readily digested, it results in a slower, more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream.
This helps avoid sharp blood sugar spikes and subsequent crashes that can sometimes follow a carbohydrate-rich meal.
A 2008 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that freezing white bread and then toasting it lowered its glycemic index in participants compared with eating it fresh.
Improved gut microbiome
By acting like dietary fiber, resistant starch provides essential fuel for the trillions of microbes living in the gut. When these beneficial bacteria ferment resistant starch, they produce short-chain fatty acids, including butyrate, propionate, and acetate.
How to freeze bread
The process is straightforward:
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Freeze: When you get a fresh loaf of bread, you can either freeze the whole thing or, for convenience, slice it first. Slicing it beforehand lets you take exactly as many pieces as you need without defrosting the entire loaf.
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Store: Place the slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will protect them from freezer burn and keep them fresh for weeks.
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Toast: When you're ready to eat a slice, take it straight from the freezer and place it in a toaster or under a grill. There is no need to thaw it first.
This method works for all types of bread, from classic white and whole wheat to sourdough and rye. It also helps reduce food waste.
Earlier, we wrote about the healthiest bread to eat every day
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
