by: Charles Van Order
We know we should be cutting carbohydrates out of our diets for a healthier, slimmer lifestyle. Unfortunately, truth be told though, we still need carbohydrates to survive. The main problem is not bread itself, but which bread we choose is what can lead to an unhealthy diet and cause many complications. With this in mind we need to know which ones are good for us and which are not. That is why it is important to know the facts about Rye Flour versus Wheat Flour.
Were you aware that by eating a standard piece of wheat bread can cause high blood sugar hikes in your blood? What does this mean? Well, to spell it out in lamen terms, by eating wheat bread, whole wheat or white, can actually spike your blood sugar level soon after ingesting it. In return, the body usually produces more glucose to compensate for this. With more glucose in your system, you are left with a hunger feeling. So just like the old saying of “after eating Chinese Food, an hour later you will be hungry again.” The same holds true for bread made from wheat. This is definitely not good for battle of the bulge. By eating rye bread, your blood sugar does not increase as substantialy. A study, published in American Study of Clinical Nutrition, stated that Rye Bread may actually reduce incidence of type 2 diabetes.
Rye bread itself could be considered a multi vitamin in itself. You see, rye flour is packed with a good amount of iron, calcium, and zinc. One would think that might be enough. But no! The best part is that it also has a whole slew of B vitamins as well. As we know from our other article on B vitamins, they are very beneficial not only for a healthy body but also a healthy mind. Imagine eating bread and feeling good knowing that you are getting proper nutrition not only for your body, but also for your mind.
If I haven’t already given you enough information to change your bread type, here is one more great reason. As we are told many times a day through; media, Internet, and doctors “Americans do not get enough fiber in their diets.” Instead we walk around with cramps, bloating, abdominal pressure . . . being constipated sure is uncomfortable. And unfortunately, about 30 percent of people living in Western countries suffer from chronic constipation. But because our beloved friend has the most amount of fiber in all the bread families. By eating it, you are sure to help your body in getting the proper amount to not only make you more regular, but also feel better. So throw away that prune juice and go for something more satisfying and tastier.
Now I have given you many reason on why switching your carbohydrate diet can be so beneficial to you, there are some things that you should know. If possible, try going with the darker loafs of rye bread (i.e. Pumpernickel). The reason why is usually the problem with the lighter rye breads is that they may be made with a mixture of rye and wheat flour to help lighten the color and sometimes the density of the bread. Be sure to check the ingredients on the bread before you buy to make sure that it is made with 100% rye flour. Also note that Pumpernickel may contain mollasses so if you are conernced about sugar, you may want to stick with plain rye loafs.
Secondly, since rye bread is so high in fiber, it is important to make sure that compensate for the extra fiber by drinking more water to help pass it through. Even though fiber is good at bulking and softening the stool, you still need the extra water to help things along in cleansing out the system.
What do you think about Rye Bread? Are you thinking about changing your diet to Rye Bread after reading this article or do you already enjoy it and want to share your experiences? Post a comment below.
Wow I really thought wheat or multi-grain bread was a better choice. This article has opened my eyes a bit.
Great article.
very good about rye bread. keep up the good work.
I’m surprised by your article. I always thought wheat bread was the way to go. I am going to give Rye Bread a try. Thank you! Keep the good info coming.
What about gluten? Is there also gluten in rye flour as there is in wheat flour?
Hi Ron – even though rye flour is pretty amazing in so many ways and is wheat free, it unfortunately is not gluten free.