Nutritional Benefits of Bread

Nutrition and health

Bread – A nutritious and healthy food

In this section on Nutrition and Health you will find all of the information you need about the nutritional value and health benefits of bread and why bread is an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Bread is a key staple in the British diet and provides many of the nutrients required for normal development and good health.


Here are some key nutritional facts about bread:

Calcium

White bread is fortified with calcium and four medium slices per day would provide over 30% of the recommended daily intake of calcium which we need every day to maintain healthy bones and teeth.

Fibre

Bread, especially wholemeal, is an important source of dietary fibre which helps to keep our digestive system healthy, helps control blood sugar and cholesterol levels and makes us feel fuller for longer.

Protein

Bread is a low fat source of protein which is required by our bodies for growth, renewal and repair.

Iron

White bread is fortified with iron. Iron is important for energy and concentration, a healthy immune system and healthy blood.

Vitamins & Other Minerals

Bread contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals including B group vitamins thiamine (B1), Niacin (B3) which are important for releasing energy from food and maintaining healthy skin, eyes and nails. It contains the B vitamin Folate (Folic Acid) which is important for pregnancy as it can help to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Energy

Bread is relatively low in calories. An average medium slice of white bread contains 77 calories, brown contains 72 calories and wholemeal contains 79 calories.

Fat

Bread is a low fat food. An average medium slice of white bread contains 0.6g of fat, brown bread contains 0.7g and wholemeal contains 0.9g. Just be careful with what you put on it and stick to healthy options for spreads and toppings.

Sugar

Most breads are low in sugar which is important for healthy teeth and maintaining a healthy weight.