Whole wheat bread stands out as the healthiest option due to its high nutrient and fiber content, essential for digestive health and disease prevention. Experts recommend prioritizing whole wheat bread to increase dietary fiber intake, which is often insufficient in the Dutch diet.

While bread has faced some criticism due to its carbohydrate content, experts argue that it’s unfairly demonized. A balanced diet that includes whole wheat bread offers significant health benefits, particularly in providing necessary fiber and iodine.

Confusion often arises regarding bread types, with color not being a reliable indicator of health. Labels can also be unclear, making it difficult for consumers to identify the healthiest options. It is important to look for “whole wheat” on the label, indicating that all parts of the grain are included.

Both nutrition experts highlight the importance of what you put on your bread. Choosing healthier toppings like natural peanut butter, vegetables, and fresh chicken is crucial for maximizing the health benefits of bread consumption. Limiting butter, jam, sprinkles, cheese, and processed meats can improve overall diet quality.

Bread also serves as a source of iodine, thanks to the addition of baker’s salt. This helps prevent thyroid issues, though the salt content in bread also contributes to overall salt consumption. The legal salt content in bread has been reduced to mitigate this issue, and experts suggest exploring alternative minerals to replace unhealthy sodium.