Toasting bread doesn't change its nutritional value, but it may decrease the glycemic index.
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Toasted bread calories aren't any fewer than untoasted bread calories. Toasting also doesn't affect carbohydrates or gluten; it may lower the glycemic index of bread, which is an advantage.
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Toasting bread doesn't change its nutritional value, but it may decrease the glycemic index.
Toast vs. Untoasted Bread Calories
In an interview with LIVESTRONG.com, Toronto nutritionist Julie Mancuso, RHN, of JM Nutrition, addressed some common questions concerning toast vs. bread. Toasting has an effect, but not on calorie count.
First of all, toasting bread is a chemical reaction, during which some molecules break apart, Mancuso says. The water content of the bread is reduced during this process, but that doesn't mean that calories are removed.
The scope of changes also depends on the degree to which the bread is toasted. "If bread is lightly toasted, the differences in calories would be too insignificant to mention," Mancuso states. On the other hand, if bread is heavily burned, the differences in calories may be more noteworthy. But in this state, the bread would be virtually inedible, or at least, unpalatable, so it's a moot point.
The more you heat or burn bread in the toaster, the greater the chemical reaction, Mancuso continues. "If you toast it lightly, only the outer edges are toasted or burned; but if you toast it thoroughly, more of the molecules undergo the chemical reaction, leading to a more considerable change."
Carbohydrates and Gluten
What about . carbohydrates and gluten? Just like calories, any difference would be minimal, according to Mancuso. Toasting bread will not eliminate gluten
"That said, toasted bread has been shown to have a lower glycemic index than untoasted bread. Since toasted bread, a carb, breaks down more slowly, it releases glucose into the bloodstream much more gradually, so it would be less likely to cause an insulin and blood sugar spike," she explains.
Numerous studies show insulin and insulin resistance are closely linked to weight gain. As a result, toasting bread can play a small role in assisting people desiring weight loss or better blood sugar control.
It's also important to note that many of the studies conducted in this area deal with white bread, the most commonly-consumed bread variety. "Would the results be similar if other breads were toasted? The jury is still out because more evidence is needed," Mancuso adds.
Disadvantages of Toasted Bread
Actually, there is only one disadvantage of toasted bread. It involves a chemical called acrylamide, but it's only a problem with over-toasted bread.
Acrylamide is a chemical that forms in certain foods when they are cooked at high temperatures, such as bread experiences during toasting, states the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Acrylamide is created from the amino acid asparagine, and natural sugars in food. Studies show that high levels of this chemical are linked to cancer, so the FDA is conducting research to determine if lower levels also pose a risk.
An August, 2008 study published in Food Additives & Contaminants measured the acrylamide content of untoasted and toasted wheat and rye bread. While the experiment wasn't conducted recently, it merits notice because it reveals that the toasting process affects the levels of the chemical. The results showed the acrylamide intake from untoasted bread is relatively low, but levels of the chemical are several times higher in toasted bread.
To lower your exposure to acrylamide in bread, don't toast it to a dark brown color, instead, toast it lightly, the FDA advises. Avoid eating the darker brown parts of toast, since they contains more acrylamide.
FAQs
Toasting bread has minimal influence on its nutritional content, but it does trigger chemical changes that increase the shelf life of the bread. Toasting bread decreases calorie count somewhat by reducing the fat content of the bread, although this reduction is not considerable.
Does the nutrition of bread change when toasted? ›
Toasting bread has minimal influence on its nutritional content, but it does trigger chemical changes that increase the shelf life of the bread. Toasting bread decreases calorie count somewhat by reducing the fat content of the bread, although this reduction is not considerable.
Does toasting bread make it healthy? ›
Toasting bread is a chemical reaction, meaning that some of the molecules (carbohydrates) break apart and the water content is reduced. Due to this chemical reaction, toasting bread might be associated with potential health benefits and could also make bread more easily digestible.
Does toasting bread change the glycemic index? ›
Toasting breaks down the carbs in bread, resulting in a slightly lower glycemic index. However, the effect is often minimal and may not be large enough to affect blood sugar levels. Furthermore, toasting might result in certain vitamin and mineral loss, including vitamin B and folate.
What are the disadvantages of eating toasted bread? ›
When bread is toasted, it undergoes a chemical reaction called the Maillard reaction which produces a compound called acrylamide. Acrylamide is a chemical that has been linked to cancer in animal studies and may increase the risk of cancer in humans when consumed in large amounts over a long period of time.
Is white bread healthier toasted or untoasted? ›
If you're unwell or have digestive problems, toasting bread is a wise choice. Toasting bread doesn't kill nutrients or lower its nutritional value. Vitamins and minerals are still within the bread. And clinical dietitian Melanie Jones confirms that toasting bread does not change its calorie content.
Does toasting reduce sugar in bread? ›
Yes, it will have slightly less carbs than you started with. Toasting bread causes a chemical reaction, known as Maillard browning, between amino acids and reducing sugars.
Is it OK to eat toasted bread everyday? ›
Unless you have a medical condition such as celiac disease, wheat allergy, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, there is no need for you to avoid bread! In fact, bread can be included as part of a healthy, balanced diet every day – yes that is correct, every day!
What is the point of toasting bread? ›
The browning is the result of a Maillard reaction altering the flavor of the bread and making it firmer. The firm surface is easier to spread toppings on and the warmth can help butter reach its melting point. Toasting is a common method of making stale bread more palatable.
Will toast raise my blood sugar? ›
But white and whole-grain breads have a high glycemic index (GI), meaning they can quickly and steeply raise blood sugar since they're made with refined wheat flour, a carb your body processes quickly. Levels data shows that this popular food combination is a common culprit of glucose spikes.
It measures how much your blood sugar increases over a period of two or three hours after a meal, Carbohydrate foods that break down quickly during digestion have the highest glycemic index. The benchmark is white bread, which has a GI of 100. The higher the score, the greater the extents of blood sugar raise.
Does peanut butter lower the glycemic index of bread? ›
Pairing carbs with a protein, extra fibre or healthy fats can help lower the GI of the meal. If you add a natural peanut butter to a slice of wholemeal bread it will lower the GI from 70 to 51. Simply adding milk to wheat breakfast biscuits can also lower the GI.
Does toasting bread lose nutrients? ›
Toasting bread doesn't change its nutritional value, but it may decrease the glycemic index. Toasted bread calories aren't any fewer than untoasted bread calories. Toasting also doesn't affect carbohydrates or gluten; it may lower the glycemic index of bread, which is an advantage.
Does bread digest better when toasted? ›
Toast. Toast is easier to digest than bread as the toasting process breaks down some of the carbohydrates. Toast can help decrease nausea and heartburn, but not all toast is the same. Whole wheat bread is more healthful than white bread but is high in fiber and can be difficult for some people to eat.
Is brown bread healthier toasted? ›
While toasting can slightly alter the texture and flavor, it generally does not significantly impact the nutritional value. ➣Can brown bread be eaten on a low-carb diet? 10. While brown bread does contain carbs, it's also high in fiber, which can make it a better choice than other high-carb foods.
Does toasting bread make it have less carbs? ›
Similarly, toasting bread only has a very minimal effect on the carbohydrate content. Unfortunately, if you're on a strict keto diet, then bread is still something to be avoided, whether it's toasted or plain.
Does toasting bread add or subtract calories? ›
Toasting bread doesn't change its nutritional value, but it may decrease the glycemic index. Toasted bread calories aren't any fewer than untoasted bread calories. Toasting also doesn't affect carbohydrates or gluten; it may lower the glycemic index of bread, which is an advantage.
Does toasting bread change it chemically? ›
Toasting bread is a chemical change. When bread is toasted, the heat causes the molecules in the bread to react and form new compounds, such as the brown substance called melanoidins. This process is known as the Maillard reaction, and it results in a change in the taste, texture, and appearance of the bread.
