Spelt is a type of wheat, sometimes used to make certain kinds of breads. Sourdough spelt bread is a good source of dietary complex carbohydrates for your child. According to the Institute of Medicine, children age 1 and older as well as adults should consume between 45 and 65 percent of their daily calories from carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are usually the main fuel source for children and adults, especially those that are very active. The Institute of Medicine recommends all children ages 1 year and older consume at least 130 grams of carbohydrates every day. Consuming one slice of old fashioned sourdough spelt bread will provide your child with about 22 grams of dietary carbohydrate.
Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient all children require for proper growth and development, especially muscle and bone development. The Institute of Medicine recommends children ages 1 to 3 consume at least 13 grams of protein per day, children ages 4 to 8 consume at least 19 grams of protein per day, children ages 9 to 13 consume at least 34 grams of protein per day, girls ages 14 to 18 consume at least 46 grams of protein per day and boys ages 14 to 18 consume at least 52 grams of protein every day. Since spelt is a type of wheat, spelt sourdough bread typically contains more protein than breads made from refined grains, such as white bread. One slice of old fashioned sourdough spelt bread contains about 4 grams of dietary protein, according to LIVESTRONG.COM's MyPlate.
Fiber
Eating fiber can help children and adults maintain a healthy body weight, since high-fiber foods help keep you fuller longer, compared with many low-fiber foods. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about 32 percent of children and teens age 2 to 19 are overweight or obese. Since sourdough spelt bread contains about 3 grams of fiber per slice, eating it on a regular basis instead of white bread could help keep your child at a healthy body weight.
Concerns
Although many potential health benefits exist when your child consumes sourdough spelt bread, be careful not to feed wheat products to children with celiac disease. Gluten is a group of proteins found in different types of wheat including spelt. According to KidsHealth, children with celiac disease should follow a gluten-free diet and avoid products containing spelt.
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