Switch to Whole-Grain Bread to Prevent Obesity: Study

Eating daily three to four slices of white bread can lead to obesity, warn Spanish researchers.

Experts from University of Navarra, Spain, observed the eating and dietary habits of 9,000 youngsters for five years to note the association between white bread consumption and obesity. This group of participants regularly consumed different types of breads like white bread and whole grain as part of their daily diet. It was observed that subjects who reported eating too much or more than 120 grams of white bread were 40 percent likely to put on weight or become obese. Those who ate white bread in limited quantity of 60 grams or only ate whole grain bread had less probability of gaining excess pounds, reports the Telegraph.

The study found that each white bread slice weighs about 40 grams and eating more than three slices can hike the risk factors for obesity.

Bread is the most important part of the European cuisine and fast selling food item. The ingredients used to make white bread makes people overindulge in unhealthy and fatty meals and snacks accompanying it.

"Refined grains such as white bread start to taste sweet in the mouth almost as soon as you eat it, that is the starch being broken down into sugar," said Miguel Martinez-Gonzalez, study author and professor from University of Navarra, reports the Telegraph.

"It is this feeling that leaves you wanting more. When white bread is a staple food, eating at one or two main meals a day then this is a lot of extra calories on a daily basis."

The authors urge people to make modifications in their daily diet by replacing white bread with healthy whole grain or brown bread. Brown bread contains good amount of fiber, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates that supplies  essential nutrients to the body  and aids digestion.

"A sensible recommendation would be to switch to wholegrain bread, especially for people who usually consume a lot of bread," said  Martinez-Gonzalez, reports the Independent.

The research was presented at the European Congress of Obesity in Sofia, Bulgaria.