2023 marks the 10th year of international #SourdoughSeptember1https://www.sustainweb.org/realbread/sourdough_september/, a mission backed by the Real Bread Campaign to encourage people to bake and buy true sourdough bread. Here at CG, we love a true sourdough loaf. Not only does it provide beneficial bacteria but also contains prebiotic fibres, which feed your good gut bugs.
What is sourdough bread and why is it so good for you?
Today, many people avoid carbs, grains and gluten, in an attempt to eat a “healthy diet”. This ultimately restricts the amount of prebiotic fibres in the diet, which can have detrimental effects on the beneficial bacteria in your gut. So for the sake of your good gut bugs, enjoy a slice of true sourdough bread and reap the benefits…
Sourdough bread2https://draxe.com/recipes/why-is-sourdough-bread-good-for-you/#Why_Is_Sourdough_Bread_Good_for_You is a naturally leavened bread utilising a starter of fermented flour and water (containing wild yeasts and good bacteria) in place of yeast, to make the bread rise.
The fermented starter contains a range of good bacteria, which contributes to the bacterial diversity in your microbiome. Your gut microbiome is a complex community of living microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes that reside in the digestive tract. Like any ecosystem, the health of your gut ecosystem is tested by its diversity. Ultimately, a diverse ecosystem is a resilient ecosystem!
Sourdough bread also contains prebiotic fibres which feed beneficial bacteria. These prebiotic fibres will vary depending on what type of flour is used.
The natural fermentation process of sourdough bread breaks down phytic acid making nutrients more bioavailable as well as pre-digests the flour, resulting in a bread that is easier for your system to digest.
Tip: Don’t be fooled by any old sourdough! Make sure the sourdough you are purchasing is a true and genuine sourdough. Ensure it only contains flour, water and salt (including the starter) and does not have any additional yeast, preservatives or “sourdough” essence. The best way to ensure a true sourdough loaf is to seek out a local artisan baker3https://www.sustainweb.org/realbread/map/ or make your own! Learning to bake sourdough is actually quite a simple and enjoyable process. Make a sourdough starter of your own4https://www.sourdough.co.uk/press/how-to-create-a-sourdough-starter/ or purchase a genuine sourdough starter culture5https://happykombucha.co.uk/collections#fe43/fullscreen/f[brand][]=Happy+Kombucha&p=2&q=sourdough+starter and get ready for #sourdoughseptember!
Looking for a gut-healthy bread recipe? Try Saskia’s fibre-rich loaf!
Questions? Feel free to get in touch with our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays, to have your questions answered!
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