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Harmful effects of store bought bread, and healthier breakfast options
Posted on: 27/May/2016 10:08:10 AM
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) recently released a study that says that most breads that are made by Indian companies are laced with chemicals. These chemicals, such as potassium bromate and iodine may cause damage to human health, and may also lead to cancer. The breads that tested positive are breads, buns and pizza crusts from Harvest Gold, Perfect Bread, Britannia, KFC, Domino`s and McDonald`s.
Says an expert who is part of the Food Safety Helpline, Bromate was so far considered a permitted ingredient in preparation of breads but its use was recently banned in water, which is something that needs to be considered. Having said that, we tested bread samples and it has been found that the quantity of Bromate in bread is under permissible limits. And one needs to consume half a kilogram of bread to ingest it in dangerous levels, thereby making it absolutely safe for consumption. There is a dire need to conduct more studies and scientific research to find out more about the chemical.
Says a senior dietician from Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, Breads have one positive quality and that is the yeast, which gives vitamin B12 and also some probiotics. Hence, occasional indulgence is fine. It is always advised to have bread with lots of vegetables so that the fibre helps in digestion and slows the release of sugar.
A senior dietician from Paras Hospital says, Bread can be an unhealthy option if you don`t use multi-grain bread, that too from a bakery you trust (or if you are baking it yourself). One has to be sure of the ingredients that are going into it. Oats, ragi and rye breads are some of the healthy bread options.
Using the wrong toppings on bread brings down the nutritional value, such as using jam, butter or cheese spread. So, it is important to use non fattening and healthy alternatives. A homemade hung curd dressing, toast with honey and black pepper, or an avocado spread with olives and jalapenos are some options.
You could also swap bread for healthier alternatives at breakfast time. For example, eating wheat flakes with milk is a quick and healthy breakfast. Many eat it for dinner as well as it is light and has low calories.
A quick poha is also an option. Quickly wash your poha. Add a spoon of oil in a pan, add chopped onion (or vegetables if you wish). Saute it for 2-3 minutes, add your poha with salt and turmeric and roasted peanuts. Squeeze half a lemon for a nice refreshing flavour.
Upma is another healthy and simple breakfast option. Roast semolina and keep it aside. Add mustard seeds to a spoon of oil and let it splutter. Put chopped onions and other vegetables and allow them to cook. Add salt, turmeric. Once done, add water and bring it to boil. In the end add semolina and let it thicken.
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