By Dr. Jorge, Ph.D.
If you’re looking for a lower-cholesterol diet and are wondering if you can still indulge in bread from time to time, you’ve come to the right place! Continue reading to discover which bread varieties are best avoided if you have high cholesterol and which can actually help lower cholesterol levels.
Is bread high in cholesterol? Is sourdough bread high in cholesterol?
Bread does not typically contain cholesterol unless animal products such as milk or butter are used to make the bread. This means that many of the popular breads you would reach for to make a sandwich or toast do not contain any cholesterol. Sourdough bread is one such bread that does not contain any animal products, so sourdough bread is a cholesterol-free bread option.
Is there cholesterol-free bread?
Yes, most bread is cholesterol-free, since bread is typically made with only flour, yeast, and water - all ingredients that do not contain cholesterol. Bread that contains cholesterol usually contains fat-dense ingredients like milk or eggs. Some examples of cholesterol-free bread are sourdough bread, rye bread, baguette bread, and whole wheat bread.
What bread is best for high cholesterol? Can bread help to lower cholesterol? Does bread raise cholesterol?
The best bread for those with high cholesterol is 100% whole grain bread. Bread made from whole grains is high in soluble fiber which is key to lowering cholesterol levels. Alternatively, bread made from refined grains, such as white bread, can still raise cholesterol levels even if the bread does not contain any dietary cholesterol. This is because the body breaks down simple carbohydrates in white bread in a similar way to sugar, which will ultimately raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
What bread should I avoid with high cholesterol?
Bread containing animal products, such as milk or eggs, and bread made from refined grains should be avoided when trying to stay within a low-cholesterol diet. Any bread products made with milk or eggs, such as brioche bread and pastries, should be avoided as they contain cholesterol. Bread made from refined grains, such as traditional white bread, should also be avoided as these types of bread have been shown to raise blood cholesterol levels as well.
Is multigrain bread good for high cholesterol? Can I eat multigrain bread if I have high cholesterol?
Multigrain bread is good for high cholesterol so long as it does not contain fat-dense ingredients (i.e. milk, butter, eggs) and is made from 100% whole grains. You’ll want to double-check the nutrition label before reaching for multigrain bread, as not all multigrain loaves of bread are the same. If the first ingredient listed is whole wheat or whole grain, you can still eat multigrain bread if you have high cholesterol. In fact, multigrain bread that is made entirely from whole grains can help lower cholesterol levels, as it is a great source of soluble fiber.
Is sourdough bread OK for high cholesterol? Can I eat sourdough bread if I have high cholesterol?
If you have high cholesterol, you can still eat sourdough bread because sourdough bread does not contain any cholesterol and it has a high soluble fiber content which may even help to reduce bad cholesterol. To get both the benefits of sourdough bread and whole grains, opt for a whole grain sourdough bread which is nutritious and good for high cholesterol.
Is whole grain bread OK for high cholesterol? Can I eat whole-grain bread if I have high cholesterol?
Yes! Because whole grains are a great source of soluble fiber, whole grain bread is the best bread for high cholesterol. Soluble fiber is a type of fiber that can bind to cholesterol in the small intestine, preventing it from entering the bloodstream and thus removing it from the body. Consequently, it has been demonstrated that consuming a diet rich in whole grains significantly reduces levels of bad cholesterol.
Is white bread OK for high cholesterol? Can I eat white bread if I have high cholesterol?
Whether or not the white bread in question contains added sugar or animal products like milk or eggs will determine whether it is okay to eat for those with high cholesterol. White bread often contains added sugars, which can raise cholesterol levels. Similarly, white bread that contains fat-dense ingredients can also be high in cholesterol. If you are focused on lowering cholesterol levels, your best bet will be to swap white bread for whole-grain alternatives.
Where can I buy healthy bread online?
At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular breads include sourdough whole wheat, sourdough 7-grain, slow fermented 3-seed bread, and sourdough rye. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.
About the Author
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
