For years, unreliable sources have labeled all bread as bad, but that's not necessarily true. Carbohydrates are an essential macronutrient that helps fuel your body with energy, minerals, and vitamins. However, some options (like those without preservatives) are better than others. To help you make smarter choices at your bakery or grocery store, consider the healthiest types of bread available.

4 Healthiest Types of Bread

1. Sourdough

Sourdough is a surprisingly healthy choice of bread due to how it's made. Using a fermentation process, phytate levels are lowered. This helps ensure that the minerals within the bread can be properly used, as phatic acid impairs efficient absorption. Sourdough can also be easier to digest and carries a low glycemic index, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable.

2. Whole Wheat

Whole grains or whole wheat bread are other healthy options, as they're high in fiber and filled with essential micronutrients. This type of bread is made with bran and germ, which carry a higher nutritional value than other types of processed and refined grains. 

Whole grains also help reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancer, and type 2 diabetes. If you're at a bakery, check the label for signs of 100% whole wheat without any added preservatives. 

3. Sprouted Bread

Sprouted bread is also made from whole grains, except it has begun to sprout due to its exposure to controlled moisture and heat. This increases the amount of folate that's present, which has several different health benefits. 

Sprouted bread also contains higher levels of antioxidants while simultaneously decreasing the number of carbohydrates present. Still, sprouted bread is a good source of fiber and protein.  

4. Gluten-Free Bread

In the past, if you wanted gluten-free bread you had to go to a specific bakery. Now, thanks to growing evidence of the benefits of gluten-free bread and other products, it's becoming more readily available. 

Gluten-free bread is easier to digest and tends to be made using healthy alternatives such as coconut, almond, brown rice, and more. This lowers carbohydrate count and increases the amount of fiber and protein available. However, to reap the health benefits of gluten-free bread, make sure that there are no preservatives, refined flour, or added sugars in the ingredients.

When you're looking for healthy bread made fresh without any added preservatives, head on over to Emerson's Bakery in Florence, KY. This friendly, local bakery shop has been serving customers since 1970 and has built a reputation for its immaculate-tasting baked goods. In addition to their healthy bread options, they also carry their famous donuts, breakfast pastries, cookies, and more. Visit them online to browse their menu or call (859) 371-9228 to place an order today.