A report carried out by the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance (IUNA), and commissioned by the Irish Bread Bakers Association (IBBA), has today announced the findings relating to the consumption of white and wholemeal bread in Ireland.
The report states that bread contributes 20% to our fibre intake and 9% to our protein intake, while white bread only contributes 1% to our daily fat and sugar intake. Interestingly, the study found a direct correlation between those preschool children who ate bread and increased growth and development within that preschool group.
The report, which was a follow-on report to another published in 2008, says that 57% of the population eat white bread and 72% eat wholemeal bread. The report also shows that a higher percentage of males (61%) compared to females (52%) consumed bread, and that males over 65 consumed the highest mean daily intake of bread compared to all other groups (1.3 slices).
Speaking at the launch of the report today, Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Dr. Mary McCreery said: “It’s quite fitting ahead of the annual National Bread Week that we’re seeing the negative comments about bread made by so-called “experts”, being challenged by scientific evidence that proves the contrary. Put simply – it’s OK to eat sliced bread. In fact, white bread can contribute to a healthy, balanced diet. It’s an affordable, nutritious food, that has been consumed for thousands of years. It is low in fat, low in sugar and is a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, calcium, iron, protein, fibre, and folic acid. There are so many untruths about bread in Ireland that are totally unfounded.”
“Like all good foods, bread should be an important part in everyone’s diet. But unlike all foods, bread is such good value and is an inexpensive source of many of the nutrients our bodies need, whatever your age. It is one of the most nutritionally valuable foods that money can buy,” concluded Dr. McCreery.
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*Report is the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance (IUNA) Report on the Pattern of White and Wholemeal Bread Consumption in Irish Adults and Pre-School Children, (September 2016).
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Facts about bread:
- Bread is a good source of carbohydrate, as well as vitamins (especially B vitamins), calcium, Iron, protein, fibre and folic acid.
- Bread is low in fat and low in sugar.
- Bread is an inexpensive source of many of the nutrients your body needs no matter what age you are.
- Bread is an important part of everyone’s diet, even if you are watching your weight.
- Bread is good value and is available fresh every day.