For Your Health: Ask BeWell!
The BeWell Tanger Center for Health Management, BIDMC's onsite wellness and exercise resource center, answers your questions in this ongoing column in BIDMCtoday.
BeWell will offer a FREE 2-week pass to any BIDMC staff member whose question is published in this column -- so e-mail your health- or fitness- related question today to the BeWell staff at mdacost2@bidmc.harvard.edu.
Q. How can I tell if the bread I'm buying has whole grains?
A. Labeling laws require that a bread labeled “whole wheat” be made from 100 percent whole-wheat flour. Many breads call themselves “wheat bread” or “multi-grain” bread, but contain some refined white flour along with whole-wheat flour. Look at the type of flour that is listed first on the ingredient list: this is the type of flour present in the largest amount. To choose breads with more fiber, look for those containing “whole-wheat or whole-grain” flour listed as the first ingredient.
Don't be fooled by the color of the bread you are buying. Just because bread is brown doesn't necessarily mean that it is made from whole grain sources. Some breads that have a rich brown color get that appearance from added coloring (for example, caramel coloring or molasses).
For past questions, visit the Ask BeWell! Archive.