This is How Unhealthy Your Supermarket Bread Actually Is

Summary: In developed nations, people get most of their calories from ultra-processed foods. These foods are known to increase the risk of many chronic health conditions. However, experts warn that not all foods sold in supermarkets are bad, especially considering that many foods play an important role in food security, like regular supermarket bread.

 Ultra-processed foods are definitely bad for health. However, these warnings must be carefully interpreted. Our daily staple, like supermarket bread, may also be not very healthy. Still, considering that it helps tackle food insecurity and provides much-needed calories, it may not be that bad.

Supermarket bread is so important for so many people that some researchers say that greater debate is needed regarding its benefits and harms. It might not be wise or possible to give up all ultra-processed foods for different practical reasons.

The whole problem in modern days is that it is challenging to avoid ultra-processed foods. Apart from freshly plucked fruits, most things that people eat these days undergo some processing. Thus, foods are fermented, pickled, smoked, cured, cooked, and more.

What researchers are saying is not that ultra-processed foods are not bad. However, they think there is a need to develop a better understanding of such foods.

Ultra-processed foods, like sweetened drinks or fresh and frozen meals, are almost impossible to create in the kitchen; regretfully, they also include most supermarket breads.

So, what makes ultra-processed foods so bad?

The first thing about ultra-processed foods is that they are low in proteins and dietary fiber. They are readily digestible and contain many calories.

Secondly, they have intense flavor due to their high content of salt, sugars, fats, and various flavor-enhancing agents. This makes them highly palatable, but consuming them also results in a greater intake of calories, sugars, salt, and fats.

The third reason is not supported by science much, but many believe that significant processing worsens food quality. However, this is not always true.

Nonetheless, it is a fact that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with poor health outcomes. One of the most extensive studies published recently showed that ultra-processed foods increase the risk of more than 32 health conditions, including mental health issues, cancer, heart disease, gut disorders, and more.

                                                        Start your weight loss journey today!

 So, where is the controversy?

The issue is that there is no fixed definition of ultra-processed foods. Though most supermarket foods are called ultra-processed foods, they differ significantly. Some of them are highly processed, while others have undergone minimal processing. Thus, for example, deep-fried nuggets might be made using mechanically recovered animal protein and might not have much meat in them. These nuggets are high in low-quality fats, salt, and sugar. On the other hand, many products on supermarket shelves have undergone minimal processing, like adding a few emulsifiers or additives.

So, researchers warn that it is unwise to put all ultra-processed foods in the same category. Instead, it is vital to examine each food item closely. 

Further, experience shows that some of the more expensive foods, often promoted as healthier options, might be even worse.

Here, the researchers give an example of sourdough bread made using lactic acid bacterial fermentation. This kind of bread is generally regarded as a healthier option. However, researchers warn that such breads also contain significant amounts of salt and sugar, which is why they taste so good.

It is true that supermarket bread is not very healthy, as it is soft, contains salt and sugar, and one can eat lots of it without feeling full. However, these breads are also the prime source of calories for many. So, for many people, this product is still unavoidable. Moreover, sourdough bread, promoted as a healthier option, is much more expensive and may not be essentially much healthier than regular supermarket bread.

So, researchers say that shaming a large section of society for consuming regular supermarket bread is not a good idea. It might not be the healthiest of options, but it is a vital source of calories for many.

Source:

Here’s how unhealthy supermarket bread actually is, according to an obesity expert. (n.d.). Retrieved June 24, 2024, from https://www.sciencefocus.com/comment/supermarket-bread