Whole grain bread, which is bread made from either whole grain flour or sprouted grains, contains more nutrients than bread made from white flour. Whole grains used in whole grain bread may include wheat, rye, millet, brown rice or others. The process of refining whole grains, such as wheat into white flour removes fiber, B-vitamins and iron, according to the USDA's My Pyramid website. Whole grain bread contains valuable nutrients including the magnesium, selenium, manganese and folate.
Basic Nutrition Information
According to the USDA Food and Nutrient Database, one slice of whole wheat bread contains 69 calories, 3.6 g of protein, 0.9 g of fat, 11.6 g of carbohydrate and 1.9 g of fiber.
Magnesium
One slice of whole wheat bread provides 23 mg of magnesium. This important mineral is vital for bone health and the production of energy from the food you eat. The daily requirement for magnesium for adults over 30 is 420 mg for men and 320 mg for women. For adults between ages 19 and 30, the daily requirement is 400 mg for men and 310 mg for women.
Selenium
Selenium functions as part of several antioxidant enzymes that help to neutralize free radicals to prevent damage to the body. One of these selenium-containing enzymes serves to protect sperm from oxidative damage. The daily requirement for selenium is 55 micrograms for both adult men and women. One slice of whole wheat bread provides 11.3 mcg or 20 percent of the daily requirement.
Manganese
One slice of wheat wheat bread provides 0.6 mg of manganese. The daily requirement for manganese for adults is 2.3 mg for men and 1.8 mg for women. Manganese is involved in bone formation, wound healing and has antioxidant functions, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.
Folate
Folate is important for the prevention of neural tube defects when taken in adequate amounts by pregnant women. Additionally, folate is required for the synthesis of DNA, the genetic material of all your cells, and may a play a role in cancer prevention, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. One slice of whole wheat bread provides 14 mcg of folate, while the daily requirement for adult men and non-pregnant women is 400 mcg. Pregnant women require 600 mcg of folate daily.
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