What does bread contribute to the diet? Does bread meet all nutritional needs?
Bread is made from flour, water, yeast and salt. It is especially rich in complex carbohydrates (averaging 55 g/100 g). Bread’s glycaemic index varies, averaging a value greater than 70. Bread also contains proteins, vitamins of the B group and mineral salts, such as those of potassium (140 to 225 mg/100 g). As a rule, bread contributes very little fat. The fibre content varies (from 4 to 9g/100 g) and depends on how refined the flour is. Bread’s sodium content averages 650 mg per 100 g.
