Bread is a simple staple food that can provide a ton of nutrients — especially fiber and protein — if you choose the right kind. So what's the healthiest bread you can buy? There are a few key factors to look for when shopping for bread, dietitians say. Foods rich in carbohydrates, like bread and , have been unfairly maligned in recent years.
While you may want to you're eating depending on your health goals, experts tell TODAY.com, we all need carbs to keep our bodies functioning properly. And bread can be a healthy way to get those essential carbohydrates.
"I joke all the time that I'm a carb crusader — and I'm a huge fan of bread," says Caroline Susie, a registered dietitian based in Dallas. Carbohydrates are one of the three the body needs and a major source of energy. Most healthy adults should aim to get around half of their daily calories from carbs, Theresa Gentile, a registered dietitian in New York City and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tells TODAY.
com. In addition to carbohydrates, bread can be a plentiful , and essential vitamins and minerals, says Susie, who is also a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A single serving of bread, which is usually just one slice, can contain or more, she says.
And it's not just about the bread. A hearty sandwich bread or perfectly toasted slice "can be a vehicle for so many other foods," Susie says. Think about meeting your protein goals with hummus, peanut butter or tuna sal.
