Carbs: friends or “faux”?
For decades, the media have demonised carbs, often blaming them for weight gain and a host of health problems. But here’s the truth: not all carbs are created equal. In fact, some are essential for a healthy, balanced diet! Let’s toss those old myths aside and slice through the confusion, one carb at a time!
A Brief History of the Carb and Gluten Debate
The ‘carbs are bad’ trend really took off in the 80s and 90s when low-carb diets like Atkins and the South Beach Diet went mainstream. These diets shifted the focus to high-protein and low-carb eating, positioning bread and other carbs as the enemy in the battle for weight loss.
At the same time, the gluten-free movement gained momentum, largely due to rising awareness of coeliac disease. While this was important for people with gluten intolerance, it also fuelled the belief that gluten – and by extension, all carbs – were inherently bad for everyone. Many people began avoiding bread altogether, opting for gluten-free alternatives that were often more processed and not necessarily healthier.
By focusing too heavily on high-protein diets and neglecting fibre and complex carbs, we’ve lost sight of the bigger picture.
Processed vs. Whole Carbs
It’s not carbs that are the villain—it’s the processed ones! Refined carbs, like those in white bread and sugary snacks, lack nutrients, spike blood sugar, and can disrupt digestion. In contrast, whole, minimally processed carbs like sourdough provide essential nutrients like fibre and protein, along with beneficial bacteria. These elements nourish your body, enhance digestion, and help maintain steady energy levels.
Many commercial loaves and gluten-free alternatives, however, are highly processed and often contain added sugars, preservatives, palm oil, and artificial binders like xanthan gum. These ingredients not only rob the food of its nutritional value but can lead to bloating, sluggishness, and energy crashes. Some studies have also suggested that xantum gum could destroy your gut health. So, when you’re choosing a carb, go for the one that’s as pure as your intentions: opt for wholesome, natural options like sourdough!
Yet, don’t be fooled by the sourdough imposters! If you want some tips to spot the difference, read our Sourdough vs. Sourfaux post.
Embrace the Good Carbs
What’s the deal? Carbs aren’t the bad guys, we just need to stop falling for the processed ones. Instead of fearing carbs altogether, embrace whole, minimally processed foods like sourdough bread, which offer superior nutritional benefits. Sourdough contains complex carbs, which are essential for a balanced diet.
The Sourdough Solution
With sourdough you don’t get energy crashes or blood sugar spikes, just steady energy throughout the day!
Sourdough’s fermentation process lowers the bread’s glycaemic index, meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar compared to regular white bread.
Sourdough’s fermentation process also boosts fibre bioavailability, making it easier for your body to absorb. This is particularly important as a whopping 90% of UK adults don’t get enough fibre, which is crucial for gut health and keeping us full. Simply swapping your normal white loaf to a white sourdough loaf will already help increase your fibre, especially our sourdough as it’s made with stone-ground flour. However, if you’re particularly concerned about fibre, why not try our mixed flour sourdoughs or our seeded sourdough?
Additionally, sourdough fermentation enhances protein bioavailability. As the dough ferments, the protein structures break down, making them easier to digest and absorb.
So, don’t be fooled by trendy diets that vilify carbs. Some carbohydrates are nutrient-rich as well as satisfyingly tasty. When done right, carbs fuel your body, improve digestion, and help you feel your best.
Food for Thought: Rethink Your Approach to Carbs
Time to rethink how we view carbs and gluten, guys! Not all carbs are bad, and not all gluten-free products are good. By understanding the history and science behind these dietary components, we can make better choices for our health.
Sourdough bread, with its natural fermentation process and wholesome ingredients, stands out as a delicious and nutritious option.
So, go ahead and enjoy your carbs! Remember, balance and quality are the keys to a healthy diet.
The Rise of Real Food Movements
There’s a growing trend toward transparency and minimalism in food, with both small and large brands embracing simpler, more natural ingredients. Movements like the Real Bread Campaign are driving this shift, encouraging brands to ditch preservatives and additives in favour of honest, wholesome bread.
Good In Bread’s Commitment to Quality
At Good In Bread, we’re proud to be part of this movement. By baking fresh sourdough made with only three simple ingredients, we embrace transparency in every loaf. We believe that simple, natural ingredients are the foundation of delicious and nutritious bread. Plus, we exclusively use organic, stone-ground flour in our loaves ensuring maximum health benefits.
Final Thoughts on Healthy Carbs
Let’s keep our focus on the good stuff: whole grains and naturally fermented goodies like sourdough. These are the true MVPs of a balanced diet. Whether you’re concerned about gluten or just looking for a nutritious bread option, sourdough is the healthiest choice. It’s time to embrace healthy carbs and leave behind the fear of bread.
So, go ahead and enjoy your carbs. After all, life’s too short to crumble under the pressure of diet trends. Sourdough is truly the breadwinner in the world of carbs!
