Live Longer Habits

Health expert reveals why people should only ever buy and eat one type of bread

Health expert Vanessa Kimbell emphasizes the importance of making informed choices when it comes to bread selection. As the founder of the Sourdough School and a specialist in bread nutrition, Kimbell encourages consumers to seek out bread labelled as 'real bread' and to be cautious of products containing lengthy lists of unrecognizable ingredients. 

In a discussion on Dr Tim Spector's ZOE YouTube channel, Kimbell compared the process of selecting bread to choosing fine wine. 

She strongly advises, "Always examine the label and review the ingredient list carefully." If you encounter a product with a long, complex list of ingredients, it is best to avoid it, no matter how appealing the packaging may appear. 

Kimbell also pointed out that some supermarket 'freshly baked' breads can be misleading, as they may be up to a year old. "These breads, made on-site, often lack proper labelling, leaving consumers unaware of their true contents," she noted. This practice can be deceptive, as many of these breads are pre-cooked and merely thawed and toasted on-site, which allows them to bypass the requirement for ingredient disclosure. 

Currently pursuing a PhD focused on the nutrition and digestibility of bread, Kimbell advocates for sourdough as one of the healthiest bread options available. Her research highlights the positive effects of sourdough on gut and mental health. 

Consuming fermented foods, such as sourdough, may lower the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, these foods could enhance mental well-being, potentially alleviating stress and anxiety. 

Sourdough is produced through the fermentation of dough with naturally occurring lactobacilli and yeast. The 'starter culture' used in sourdough can be centuries old, contributing to the bread's distinctive flavour and health benefits.

You can fine some sourdough recipes here and here and from Zoe an article about How to bake sourdough bread and is it healthy?

Source: gloucestershirelive.co.uk