Frozen bread: The unexpected ally in blood sugar control
Resistant starch is a type of dietary fibre that has yet to break down due to ripening or heat treatment. This is why dietitians recommend green bananas. Including products containing resistant starch in your diet can help you to lose excess weight and reduce abdominal fat. It is available not only in bananas but also in another everyday product.
Unprocessed starch positively affects intestinal function by removing impurities and regulating the frequency of bowel movements. Studies published on sciencealert.com have shown an increase in resistant starch in frozen bread. Many people do this unknowingly, not realising that low temperatures can positively impact the body in this regard.
What is resistant starch?
Non-digestible starch found in grain products — bread, groats, and pasta — breaks down into a digestible form during heat treatment, which is then digested by enzymes and causes a glucose increase. Due to starch breakdown, these products are easier to digest but are not recommended for diabetics and those on weight-loss diets. They cause a sudden spike in blood sugar, resulting in a temporary increase in energy, followed by hunger and increased appetite.
However, under the influence of low temperatures, such as freezing, processed starch partially returns to its original form. Consuming products that contain resistant starch does not cause a glycaemic spike. Moreover, the substance that resists digestive enzymes serves as food for probiotic bacteria. This allows them to multiply in the colon, working to our benefit.
Is frozen bread healthier than fresh?
The controversial consumption of frozen bread is justified by scientific research. It was examined to what extent eating homemade bread before and after freezing helps reduce blood sugar levels. In the case of fresh bread, sugar levels dropped by about 31%, while frozen slices reduced the glycaemic response by about 39%. Unfortunately, the effect was not noticeable with store-bought bread.
What products are rich in resistant starch?
Including products containing resistant starch may be a way to combat excess weight. Green bananas are a rich source — as they ripen, the starch transforms into sugar. It is also naturally present in maize and homemade wholegrain bread. Processed starch returns to its original form after cooking and cooling potatoes, sweet potatoes, brown rice, groats, beans, and lentils.
