Benefits of Low-GI Bread

The glycaemic index (GI) was originally developed to help diabetes patients, but anyone can use this handy system to choose foods that are healthy, high in dietary fibre and low in calories.

Whether your goal is to lose weight or to improve your overall health and wellbeing, here are just some of the reasons to choose low-GI bread next time you're at your local bakery.

Controlling blood sugar levels
Unlike their white, brown and wholemeal counterparts, low-GI breads don't cause blood sugar and insulin levels to sharply increase. Switching to a low-GI diet helps to keep blood sugar and cholesterol levels in check, and low-GI bread is recommended for people who are currently experiencing or worried about conditions such as hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Losing weight
Although low-GI bread is not lower in fat than other health breads, it does contain soy flour and other ingredients that release energy over a long period of time, to keep you feeling full for longer. Eating low-GI bread reduces cravings and the urge to snack between meals, and can help with dieting and weight loss regimes.

Boosting heart health
Most types of bread are low in cholesterol, but low-GI bread is also free of trans-fatty acids that can put the heart at risk. The polyunsaturated fats it does contain are beneficial for the body, and if the bread also contains omega-3 fatty acids, this will help to protect the cardiovascular system.

Preventing constipation
The high dietary fibre content of low-GI bread helps to stimulate bowel movements, with a two slice serving providing between 36 and 57 percent of your daily recommended dietary fibre, depending on the product. This insoluble fibre improves digestion function and prevents issues such as constipation.

Reducing inflammation
This high fibre content also helps to clear the body of cholesterol, which can clog the arteries and trigger an inflammatory response by the immune system. In a study by the University of Massachusetts Medical School, research participants who consumed the recommended amount of dietary fibre per day experienced 63 percent less inflammation than subjects who followed low-fibre diets.

Safe for vegetarians
Not all varieties of bread are suitable for strict vegetarians, as they may contain traces of products derived from animals. Low-GI bread is exclusively derived from non-animal sources, including the emulsifiers and enzymes used in the baking process.

Find fresh bread in Gungahlin
There are more bakers working at Woolworths than anywhere else in Australia. And every single day they bake fresh, using 100% Aussie flour. Stop by to see their full range of breads baked fresh on-site every day, including sourdough, ciabatta and baguettes.