Nutritionists: About Five Slices of Wholegrain Bread a Day Is Recommended

Bread is a daily staple for many people in Latvia, but nutritionists note that both the type of bread and the amount eaten matter for health. The Polish portal "ofeminin.pl" reported on the topic, and the Latvian news site Jauns.lv retold it. The advice is to eat up to five slices of wholegrain bread per day.

Why wholegrain is the better choice

Experts stress that wholegrain bread is healthier than white bread. The grains used for wholegrain flour contain not only starch and protein but also vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. Most of these are found in the outer layers of the grain. In refined flour, much of this nutritional value has been lost.

Wholegrain bread contains complex carbohydrates and fibre, so it is digested more slowly and keeps a person feeling full for longer. White bread has less fibre, its carbohydrates are absorbed faster, and the feeling of fullness lasts a shorter time.

Fibre supports normal digestive function and has a positive effect on gut microbiota. Regular consumption of wholegrain products improves metabolism and lowers the risk of various chronic diseases. Industrially processed bread with a lot of salt or sugar can put extra strain on the body if eaten in excess.

How many slices a day

Nutritionists recommend including five servings of grain products in the daily menu. One slice of wholegrain bread equals one serving, so a reasonable daily amount is five slices.

Other grain foods, such as muesli, pasta or rice, count toward the same total. If someone eats oatmeal porridge or other grain dishes during the day, the amount of bread should be reduced accordingly.