Foods made from whole grains contain more vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients such as antioxidants than foods made from refined grains. However, whole wheat bread is not technically a "whole-grain" food, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Still, it is more nutritious than white bread.
Definition
Grains are plant seeds, which consist of three parts --- the bran, endosperm and germ. Whole wheat bread sold in North America may have the germ removed, which means it's no longer whole grain. If the grain is taken apart and mixed together to form a flour, it is still whole grain.
Calories
One 28-g slice of commercially prepared whole wheat bread contains 69 calories, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database. It contains just over 11.5 g of carbohydrate and 1.9 g of fiber.
Comparison to White Bread
White bread is made from refined grains, which are whole grains that have had the germ and bran removed. It is lower in fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients compared to whole wheat or whole grain breads.
Buying
The Center for Science in the Public Interest warns that marketers often sell refined bread under the guise of "whole wheat" or "whole grain." If a product label indicates that the bread is "made with whole wheat," it is actually made from mostly refined grains.
References
- Center for Science in the Public Interest: The Whole Grain Guide
- Health Canada: Whole Grains
- USDA National Nutrient Database
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