Is Sourdough Bread Worth The Hype?
Is Sourdough Bread Worth The Hype?
The world of bread and loaves took a revolutionary turn when sourdough bread became the talk of the town. Whether you have been recently swept by the fad or already have your fingers dipped in the great sourdough starter, inquiring into the nutritional content to know the benefits is probably on your mind. For those who are unaware, sourdough bread has been around for centuries in the world of baking. However, the recent hype is taking the internet by storm. This article will serve as a quick drive-through to address all your questions about sourdough bread, its health benefits, and its nutritional value. Read on to explore!
Sourdough Bread: What Is It?
We are sure you hear this word ringing in your ears every time you are among your friends or at a party in your neighborhood. But what is sourdough bread? And what do we know about it?
Sourdough bread has been around for centuries. It dates back to as far as ancient Egypt. As a raising agent, it has been around ever since for leavening breads. The basic difference between white bread and sourdough lies in the leavening method. Instead of the powdered dry yeast, sourdough uses a sludgy mixture of water and flour to form a culture for natural yeast found in the air. This slurry being formed is known as the “starter.” The natural yeast and bacteria find a safe culture that strives every day when supplemented with water and flour. Due to the fermentation carried on by yeast, the sugars are broken down, hence the “sour” taste and formation of air bubbles.
Is Sourdough Bread Better than Your White Bread?
It is believed that sourdough bread is better than commercially produced white bread as the making process involves fermentation, which is thought to be helpful for normal gut functioning. Moreover, giving in to the trend, sourdough bread is either homemade or made at a local home chef’s bakeshop, which means artificial flavoring, stabilizers, and preservatives do not make their way to this baked goodness.
But is Sourdough bread more nutritious than white bread?
During the making process, flour grains contain phytic acid, which, when bound to essential minerals of magnesium and zinc, can make them stubborn and difficult to absorb. However, sourdough is a game-changer. It contains lactic acid, which neutralizes the lingering effects of phytic acid by a whopping 70%, and it then assists in the absorption of these essential minerals (source: Healthline).
Flour, as we know, is a gluten-rich source. It has been found that the fermentation process during the making of sourdough bread breaks down the gluten to set it to an optimum level. However, this doesn’t imply that people allergic to gluten or those with celiac disease are at liberty to take sourdough bread. Gluten tolerance is different for different people. For those seeking a less-in-content alternative, sourdough may be a good option!
Sourdough Bread and Blood Glucose Levels: Is there any link?
Breads are rich in carbohydrates and share minor traces of protein. Both of these nutrients directly influence our body’s blood glucose levels. Every human body registers a unique response to sugary foods, known as a glycemic response. White bread, or any bread for that purpose, produces a spike in blood sugar levels due to its fiber-rich content. However, sourdough bread, in comparison, offers relief by keeping your blood sugar levels at an optimum level due to its lactic acid and fermentation.
Many studies have been conducted concerning the matter and a torrent of promising results have surfaced. In one study, individuals who were given sourdough rye bread showed a slight rise in insulin levels as compared to participants who ate commercial baker’s white bread. In other studies, participants who were given sourdough bread showed lower insulin levels than those who had dry yeast-raised bread.
Ready to Give it a Try?
Kneading, fermenting, proofing, and baking bread require days of effort and time. For sourdough bread, prepping the starter and supplementing it with flour and water is an added hassle. However, getting the freshly baked loaf out of the oven when your kitchen smells of baked goodness is worth every effort and toil!
A little experiment hurts no one. Given the benefits, you can bake your sourdough bread once you feel it in your bones to give it a try. As soon as you master the starter, you can try making sourdough bread with any grain of your choice, whether it be flour, barley, or rye, keeping your dietary blueprint in view.
If you are allergic or want to cut off on gluten, you can choose a gluten-free alternative like sorghum, almond flour, or arrowroot. Perfecting the recipe with a little mix and match while customizing it according to your taste and preference is one of the few perks of baking sourdough bread at home.
Are local bakeries worth it?
If you have your hands full and can’t find spare time to relish in baking goodness, you can conveniently find a freshly baked loaf of sourdough bread at any local bakeshop. Preferring locally baked goods over a commercially run baking business is always a wise choice. Local bakers do not add preservatives and artificial flavoring to shoot up the shelf life. They run their businesses on a daily or weekly basis, which ensures you get the baking benefits to their maximum.
Interested In Baking But Don’t Know How To?
Worry no more, we have got you all covered! If you are interested in baking and finding an authentic recipe to kickstart your sourdough bread journey, keep on reading. These recipes are designed to cover post-starter procedures. However, if you want to learn an authentic sourdough starter recipe, asking your local baker or watching videos online can cover up the vitals in the best possible way.
While we do not have a master baker on our staff to assist in curating an all-rounder sourdough bread recipe, we have assorted the best recipes available on the internet developed by some of the best of the baking world.
Sourdough Bread Recipes
The Kitchen Basic Sourdough Bread Recipe
Preppy Kitchen's Amazing Sourdough Bread Recipe
Chantal Secour’s Sourdough Starter Guide (Gluten Free) - Fresh is Real
Chantal Secour's Sorghum Sourdough Bread for Gluten-Free - Fresh is Real
Curating and perfecting a recipe can take considerable time and effort. However, once you cultivate the poise and fine-tune everything, it is worth every drop of sweat.
If you are mindful of your health and well-being and want to learn which food should be incorporated as per your lifestyle while curating and scheduling an easy-to-follow dietary chart, collaborate with our Curated Wellness practitioner. Contact us now!
