A new report carried out by the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance and commissioned by the Irish Bread Bakers Association has been published concerning the consumption of white and wholemeal bread in Ireland.
The report challenges negative perceptions of bread. It states that bread contributes 20% to our daily fibre intake and 9% to our protein intake, while white bread only contributes 1% to our daily fat and sugar intake. The study also found a direct correlation between preschool children who ate bread and increased growth and development within that preschool group.
Speaking at the launch of the report today (30 September), Registered Dietitian Dr. Mary McCreery said: “It’s quite fitting ahead of the annual National Bread Week that we’re seeing the negative comments about bread made by so-called ‘experts’, being challenged by scientific evidence that proves the contrary. Put simply – it’s OK to eat sliced bread.
“In fact, white bread can contribute to a healthy, balanced diet. It’s an affordable, nutritious food, that has been consumed for thousands of years. It is low in fat, low in sugar and is a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, calcium, iron, protein, fibre, and folic acid. There are so many untruths about bread in Ireland that are totally unfounded.”
57% of the population eat white bread and 72% eat wholemeal bread, according to the report. It also found a higher percentage of males (61%) compared to females (52%) consumed bread, and that males over 65 consumed the highest mean daily intake of bread compared to all other groups (1.3 slices).
“Like all good foods, bread should be an important part in everyone’s diet. But unlike all foods, bread is such good value and is an inexpensive source of many of the nutrients our bodies need, whatever your age. It is one of the most nutritionally valuable foods that money can buy,” concluded Dr. McCreery.