• By Emily Amelia Inglis
• Published 04/26/2012

Bread is such a common item in the cupboards and food stores of most homes that we can often take this food item for granted, without realising just how healthy bread can be.

Understanding just how healthy bread is can be a vital part of realising the importance of this food in our lives, knowing the best type of bread for our own diet, and understanding the different nutritional benefit to be found in this food item.

Bread is important in providing energy. An average slice of bread provides around 100 calories, so two rounds of toast or two slices of bread for a sandwich would typically provide about 200 calories, and that is before other ingredients or spreads are taken into account.

Fibre is also an important part of bread. Fibre is vital for helping the digestive system in the human body, and also helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer, therefore, avoiding food cravings that can easily lead to weight gain. Some types of bread, such as wholemeal bread, are even higher in fibre, and are therefore perfect for those who need extra fibre in their diet.

As well as energy and fibre, bread provides other benefits to our diet. Bread is naturally low in fat (although what you may spread on it may not be), is normally low in sugar and high in protein. Bread also contains calcium and iron. Calcium helps with keeping bones and teeth healthy and strong and iron helps to keep the blood and the immune system healthy.

Bread also contains a number of vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, which is often taken as a supplement by pregnant woman, but can also be found in bread.

Bread also contains protein, which is one of the most important building blocks of the body. Protein is vital for keeping the body in good condition and for helping the body to grow, for example in helping skin and hair to grow.

About the Author: Emily Amelia Inglis is a writer and fan of healthy bread.