Is freezing bread truly beneficial for one's health?

Have you ever wondered if freezing bread can actually make it healthier for you? We all love a good slice of white bread with some butter on top, but let's face it, it's not always the healthiest snack option, especially if we're buying those ultra-processed packaged loaves from the supermarket. However, a recent TikTok video by an NHS doctor has gone viral for claiming that there's a simple way to make your white bread a bit healthier.

Dr. Karan Rajan, also known as @dr.karanr online, shared a kitchen hack that could potentially lower the glycemic index of white bread. For those who may not know, the glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly a food can raise our blood glucose levels. It ranges from 0 to 100, with higher numbers indicating a higher spike in insulin and blood sugar. It's important to keep our blood sugar at a normal level to avoid damaging our bodies and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

In his video, Dr. Rajan suggests that toasting a slice of white bread can help lower its glycemic index. An average slice of white bread is thought to have a GI of over 70, but according to Dr. Rajan, you can "lower the glycemic index of the bread by double" if you freeze it, defrost it, and then toast it when you're ready to eat it. He explains that this happens because more retrograded starch is formed, which is a type of resistant starch that is beneficial for our gut health and acts more like a fiber.

This claim is supported by a 2007 study published in The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which investigated the impact of freezing and toasting on the glycemic response of white bread. The study involved 10 healthy participants who were asked to consume bread prepared in four different ways - fresh, frozen and defrosted, toasted, and toasted after being frozen and defrosted. The results showed that the rise in glucose in the blood was significantly lower in participants who ate frozen, defrosted, and toasted bread compared to those who ate fresh bread. The glucose response was also found to be more favorable for bread that was either toasted or simply frozen and defrosted, compared to fresh bread.

So, it seems like freezing bread can indeed make a difference in the short-term when it comes to our blood sugar levels. However, the long-term impact on our health will depend on our overall diet. It's worth noting that what we eat is more important than how we eat it, and as white bread is highly processed, it's not always the best option. Many nutritionists suggest switching to brown bread, as it tends to have a lower GI.

Now, if you're planning on freezing your bread for health reasons, it's important to know how to defrost it properly. To avoid freezer burn, make sure to wrap it properly before freezing. When it comes to defrosting, you can simply take it out of the freezer and leave it on the counter at room temperature for a few hours. Some experts recommend putting the defrosted bread in the oven to warm it up, as it can give it a fresher taste. Alternatively, you can defrost a slice straight in the toaster on the 'defrost' setting. However, if you choose to defrost your bread in the fridge overnight, be aware that it may taste stale.

Wondering how long bread can last in the freezer? According to lovefoodhatewaste.com, you can freeze bread in a sealed bag or container for up to three months. They also suggest freezing bread sliced, so you can take out only what you need and keep the rest frozen for later. To make it easier to separate the slices after freezing, you can gently bang the loaf on a work surface before putting it in the freezer. Keep in mind that before freezing, fresh bread should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a kitchen cupboard or bread bin. Homemade bread will start to go stale within a few days, while store-bought bread can last up to a week.

Do you have a story or experience with freezing bread for health benefits? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Share them in the comments section below. And if you have any other kitchen hacks or tips, feel free to share those too. You can also get in touch by emailing us at email. Stay healthy!

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