The bread industry took a major hit in the wake of low-carbohydrate
dieting, though it seems bread consumption may be making a comeback.
It is anticipated that U.S. Dietary Guidelines will support the
health benefits linked to whole-grain consumption by advising that
at least half of the six to 11 daily recommended servings of grain
foods come from whole grains. (The government's food pyramid
does not currently specify which types of grains should be included
in one's diet.)
According to studies, eating three ounces of whole grains a day
will not only help with weight maintenance, but it will supposedly
reduce the risk of health problems, including:
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Some cancers
- Type 2 diabetes
Carbohydrate-Conscious Comeback
As a result of the new whole-grain dietary guidelines, bread producers
and industry associations are launching a new line of products and
programs advertising bread as a health food:
- Sara Lee: Line of high-fiber, whole-grain breads called "Heart
Healthy Plus"
- Pepperidge Farms and Thomas' English Muffins: Whole-wheat
muffins
- General Mills: "Weight-loss" program incorporating
many of its high-fiber, grain-based products
- The Grain Foods Foundation and other associations: Multimillion-dollar
campaign to help repair the damaged image of bread and grains
Chicago
Tribune December 25, 2004
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