In this edition of HT Lifestyle’s ‘Internet vs Reality’ series, we spoke to Dr Nethra N, consultant in internal medicine at Manipal Hospitals, Electronic City, Bengaluru, to understand whether brown bread is actually a healthier choice than white bread.
The internet says switching to brown bread can make your diet healthier, which is why many people are making the switch for its perceived health benefits.
The nutritional value of bread depends primarily on the type of flour used, the degree of processing and the ingredients added during manufacturing, rather than its colour alone. Look for whole wheat flour or whole grain flour listed as the primary ingredient, and compare the fibre, added sugar and sodium content across products. Terms such as multigrain or brown do not automatically indicate that a product is made from whole grains.
Brown bread is often considered healthier than white bread , but this is not always true, according to Dr Nethra. “When buying bread, consumers should read the ingredient list rather than relying on colour or marketing claims,” said Dr Nethra.
