Expert reveals best bread to eat with claims it can 'influence gut health and mental well-being'

Vanessa Kimbell, a bread nutrition expert and founder of the Sourdough School, has dished out some crucial tips for picking the right loaf to suit your dietary needs. In a chat on the ZOE YouTube channel with Dr Tim Spector, she emphasised the importance of being selective about bread, comparing it to choosing a fine wine.

"Never pick up a bread without looking at the label and turning it over to look at the list of ingredients," she advised. "The second you see an extremely long list of things you cannot pronounce, you do not recognise, put it down."

She warned against being fooled by the front labels and urged consumers to be vigilant.

Furthermore, Kimbell exposed a deceptive practice in some big supermarkets, claiming that their 'freshly baked bread' could be up to a year old. "Those breads that they make on the premises don't have a label. They just put them in bags, and you've got no real idea what's in them," she said.

READ NEXT: Full list of DWP benefits set for bonus payment this December

Get the latest Birmingham Live breaking news on WhatsApp

According to her, this allows supermarkets to avoid listing additives, branding the whole thing as "all a giant con", reports the Mirror.

Dr Kimbell, an expert who finalised her PhD specialising in the nutritional value and digestibility of bread, is a staunch advocate for sourdough as potentially the top choice for health. Her studies delve into how sourdough consumption can positively influence gut health and mental well-being, particularly when eaten as part of a balanced diet.

The consumption of fermented foods like yoghurt, kimchi, and sourdough is linked to lower risks of heart disease, strokes, and type 2 diabetes. Sourdough bread has been found to help stabilise blood sugar levels, improve the health of gut microbiota, and strengthen the immune system.

The British Heart Foundation has given its nod, noting that: "Sourdough's fermentation process does mean sourdough can have a lower glycaemic index than its standard bread equivalent. This means it causes blood sugar levels to rise more slowly, and so could be a better choice for people with diabetes."

Not just for physical health, these foods have the potential to uplift mental health by possibly reducing stress and anxiety. Sourdough's benefits are plentiful; it’s a great source of protein, fibre, iron, and key vitamins including folic acid.

It also boasts antioxidants that may diminish the risk of certain cancers, chronic diseases, and the impacts of aging.

But what exactly is sourdough bread?

Sourdough originates from dough that undergoes fermentation through natural lactobacilli and yeast. Its unique 'starter culture', sometimes centuries old, gives each loaf its distinctive taste and texture.

Sourdough bread has been found to act as a prebiotic, meaning its fibre content aids the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, according to research. These good bacteria are crucial for maintaining a balanced and healthy digestive system.

While sourdough generally contains less gluten than other breads, it's not entirely gluten-free. Sourdough can be a nutritious part of a balanced diet, but there are a few things to bear in mind: Notably, sourdough is typically made with white flour rather than wholegrain.

Wholegrain bread packs more fibre, which is vital for a healthy diet. Although indulging in white bread now and then is perfectly okay, opting for wholemeal bread regularly is a healthier choice.