Freezing bread: A surprising ally for diabetes management
Freezing food is a common practice that helps extend the shelf life of various food products. From fresh vegetables and fruits to ready-made meals, items we are unable to consume within a few days often end up in our home freezers. Bread is also stored at below-freezing temperatures. Scientists from the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" have closely examined the composition of frozen bread and its effects on the body.
Many people freeze bread for practical reasons, ensuring they always have a "fresh" defrosted loaf readily available. Few of us consider its composition, nutritional value, and impact on the digestive system. However, it turns out that freezing bread has specific consequences that significantly affect health. This topic is particularly important for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
How does freezing bread affect its composition?
The primary component of white bread is starch, which belongs to the carbohydrate group of sugars. In wheat bread, starch makes up about 80%, which is why we experience a sudden burst of energy after having a sandwich with such bread. However, for people with diabetes, such a sudden rise in blood sugar levels is inadvisable. Freezing bread might be beneficial.
Freezing causes the starch in bread to undergo retrogradation, altering its structure. It transforms into the so-called resistant starch, resistant to gut bacteria. As a result, it is not easily absorbed by the body. Undigested in the small intestine, it moves to the large intestine, where it is digested by bacteria, leading to the production of butyrate, a fatty acid with positive effects on the digestive system.
Bread with a low glycemic index
To further lower the glycemic index, you can warm the defrosted bread in a toaster or oven. However, avoid defrosting this bread in advance, as it can become hard much more quickly. Also, remember to use properly sealed containers. Ordinary "lunch bags" are not recommended – zipper bags are much better, and they are available cheaply in bulk.
Freezing bread is an effective way to reduce food waste. This bread can be stored in the freezer for no longer than three months.
