Health Benefits of Sourdough

When I began researching sourdough bread, one thing that really got my attention was all of the ways it benefits health in a wide range of individuals, including people sensitive to gluten. While there are so many articles out there that explain the benefits in more depth than I ever could, I can attest that there are four that are especially true for me and my family.

The benefits that sold me on baking sourdough:

Gut Friendly Sourdough naturally contains fiber that acts as a prebiotic, and contains probiotics that are increased through the fermentation process, making it great for gut health and easier on the belly. Personally, I have noticed when we aren't consuming sourdough as regularly, we are more prone to sicknesses. It obviously has a direct impact on our immune systems, and I'm a believer that it's thanks to the pre and probiotics that feed the good bacteria in our gut.

Low Glycemic index

The glycemic index of sourdough is significantly lower compared to regular commercial bread. That means it won't raise your blood sugar as rapidly and also keeps you feeling fuller for a longer period of time. I find when I eat a slice of bread with a meal, I'm not looking to grab a snack an hour later. One or two slices per day is usually all I eat, and it's enough to keep me satiated. Adding sourdough discard to other recipes also adds this benefit to whatever you're cooking/baking.

Easier to Digest

When sourdough ferments, it predigests the flour by feeding on its sugar. This means that it is already partially digested before you even use it in a bread recipe, and that makes it easier for your stomach to digest. With regular store-bought breads, I would always bloat, feel uncomfortable in my belly, and have some kind of inflammatory reaction. When we switched to sourdough, I noticed almost immediately that it didn't make me feel bloated or inflamed at all!

Very Delicious and Nutritious

The taste of sourdough bread is unmatched. It contains nutrients such as calcium, iron, B vitamins, folate, and zinc just to name a few. When baking your own bread, it takes out the unnecessary stuff that is in store-bought bread, giving you a natural, more nutritious result that you can feel good about, physically and mentally!

All that to say, the benefits of sourdough changed the way I felt about bread consumption entirely. Maybe instead of giving up bread and carbs entirely (like I once thought I should), switch it up and make your own nutrient dense alternative, and I promise your body will thank you!

**THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. This is my opinion only and what I have found to be true for me and my family. What's right for us may not be right for you.