Fresh, crusty, golden bread... just thinking about it makes our mouths water! However, behind this simple pleasure lies a lesser-known reality: for some people, bread might not be the ideal ally. What if your little daily pleasure isn't as harmless as you thought? We'll tell you all about it, without being dramatic, but with nuance!
Bread, a classic with many benefits
Let's start by paying tribute to this companion of our breakfasts, afternoon toast, and lunchtime sandwiches. A valuable source of carbohydrates, bread provides our body with the energy it needs to function properly. It also contains calcium (yes, four slices already provide about 164 mg of the recommended 800 mg!), which is a subtle boost for our bones.
And let's be honest: who hasn't given in to a good piece of bread due to lack of time? Practical and satisfying, it's often the easy option on race days. But precisely... easy doesn't always mean suitable for everyone.
When digestion is looking bleak
Do you have a bloated stomach, a feeling of heaviness after meals, or are you regularly constipated? Bread, especially white bread, may not be your best friend. The reason: its gluten content, which can be difficult for sensitive systems to digest, especially in children or seniors. If your digestive system is playing tricks on you, it's better to vary your pleasures with other, lighter sources of carbohydrates, such as brown rice or root vegetables.
If your heart or blood sugar craves something sweet
For people watching their heart or blood sugar, bread—especially processed bread—can be too high in starch and salt. The result: rising blood sugar and unnecessary strain on the heart. Choosing alternatives rich in fiber and with a low glycemic index, such as legumes or whole grains, can make a real difference in your daily life.
When you want to lighten the scale
For example, two slices of white bread can contain around 350 to 400 kilocalories! Suffice it to say that when it comes to your figure, it's best to moderate your consumption. Especially if your goal is to lose a few pounds. Be careful, we're not talking about banning everything—depriving yourself completely is never the solution—but rather about consuming consciously, keeping an eye on the quantity and quality of the bread you choose.
In case of kidney weakness
Female hand holding model of human kidney organ at back of body
Excess salt, often hidden in industrial bread or ready-made preparations (such as pizzas or ready-to-eat sandwiches), can put a strain on already fragile kidneys. Not to mention that certain grain-based products, if consumed in excess, can overload the body. If you're concerned, consider varying your starchy foods: sweet potatoes, quinoa, or millet can be good alternatives.
If your energy is low
Tired when you wake up? Brain fog? A diet too rich in processed foods, like some industrial breads, can contribute to this feeling of fatigue. Often low in fiber and micronutrients, these products fill you up instantly but don't sustain your body over time. To boost your energy, focus on raw, whole, and varied foods.
Listening to your body is already taking care of yourself.