Italian Five Grain Bread Nutrition, Health Benefits, Where to Buy

What is Italian Five Grain Bread?

Italian five grain bread is a hearty, nutritious bread made with a blend of five different whole grains. It provides a good source of fiber, protein, and other important nutrients.

This rustic artisan bread features a mix of the following five grains:

• Whole wheat flour
• Rolled oats
• Millet
• Barley
• Cornmeal

In addition to these five grains, Italian five grain bread also contains wheat flour, water, yeast, salt, and vegetable oil. It has a dense yet moist texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.

Italian five grain bread makes a healthier alternative to regular white bread. The combination of whole grains gives it a nutritional boost.

Benefits of Five Grain Bread

Here are some of the top benefits of choosing five grain bread:

• High in Fiber: The blend of whole grains provides 5-6 grams of fiber per slice, which aids digestion.
• Good Source of Protein: With around 5 grams of protein per slice, five grain bread provides more protein than plain white bread.
• Packed with Nutrients: In addition to protein and fiber, five grain bread contains B vitamins, iron, magnesium, selenium, and antioxidant compounds.
• Lower Glycemic Index: Compared to white bread, five grain bread is absorbed more slowly, resulting in more stable blood sugar levels.
• Satisfying Texture: The hearty texture and mix of grains keeps you feeling fuller for longer compared to lighter white bread.

The nutritional profile of five grain bread makes it a smart choice, especially for those limiting white flour and refined grains in their diets.

Five Grain Bread Nutrition Facts

The exact nutrition facts for five grain bread can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and recipe. But most loaves provide a similar nutrition profile.

Here are the nutrition facts for a typical slice of Italian five grain bread:

• Calories: 80
• Fat: 1g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 4g

As you can see, one slice of five grain bread contains only 80 calories and 1 gram of fat. Its an excellent low-calorie bread option.

It also provides 4 grams of protein per slice, which is quite high for bread. Youre also getting 2 grams of fiber, which provides 8% of the daily recommended value.

Grain Nutrition Comparison

Heres a look at how the most common grains found in five grain bread compare nutritionally:

• Whole wheat: High in fiber, manganese, selenium, copper, and B vitamins.
• Oats: Rich in beta-glucan fiber, avenanthramides, protein, manganese, and selenium.
• Millet: Great source of minerals like magnesium, iron, phosphorus, B vitamins, and essential amino acids.
• Barley: Packed with selenium, copper, manganese, and soluble fiber known as beta-glucan.
• Cornmeal: Provides phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and selenium.

As you can see, each grain provides its own unique mix of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and plant compounds. Combined, they create a well-rounded, nutritious bread.

Health Benefits of Five Grain Bread

Heres a closer look at some of the top health benefits associated with the ingredients in five grain bread:

1. Helps Lower Cholesterol

The soluble fiber from oats and barley in five grain bread can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber binds to cholesterol in the gut and removes it from the body before it can be absorbed.

2. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar

Thanks to its high fiber and whole grain content, five grain bread has a lower glycemic index than refined grains. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as dramatically after eating.

3. Supports Heart Health

The beta-glucans found in oats and barley have been shown to reduce multiple risk factors for heart disease, including cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

4. Aids Digestion

With about 5 grams of fiber in each slice, five grain bread helps promote regularity and healthy digestion. The grains act as prebiotics to feed beneficial gut bacteria as well.

5. Provides Essential Nutrients

Between the fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, five grain bread provides an array of essential nutrients to support overall health.

Tips for Making Five Grain Bread

Its easy to make homemade five grain bread. Here are some tips for best results:

1. Soak the Grains

Soaking the grains for 8-12 hours before baking can help improve the flavor and texture of the bread. The soaking process helps break down antinutrients that impair nutrient absorption.

2. Use Stone-Ground Whole Grain Flours

Opt for stone-ground flours made from the whole grains. This maintains the full nutritional profile compared to refined flours.

3. Knead Thoroughly

Be sure to knead the dough very well for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten and results in a hearty, chewy bread.

4. Let it Rise

Allow the dough to rise for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size. This allows the yeast to produce carbon dioxide to give the bread a lighter texture.

5. Slash Top Before Baking

Right before baking, slash the top of the loaf a few times with a knife. This allows the bread to properly expand in the oven.

Baking homemade five grain bread using traditional techniques results in amazing flavor and aroma.

Where to Buy Five Grain Bread

You can find Italian five grain bread at many grocery stores, bakeries, and online stores. Here are some places to buy quality loaves:

Grocery Stores

Check the bakery section of your local grocery store. Major chains like Kroger, Publix, Safeway, and Wegmans often carry five grain bread.

Artisan Bakeries

Visit local artisan bakeries in your area. Many specialize in hearty multigrain loaves baked fresh daily.

Online Stores

You can order five grain bread online from retailers like Amazon or Netrition to have loaves shipped right to your door.

Farmer's Markets

Farmer's markets are a great place to find small-batch artisan five grain loaves from local bakers.

Costco

Costco has started carrying an affordable and tasty five grain bread under its Kirkland Signature brand.

The best loaves contain just the five grains plus basic ingredients like water, yeast, salt, and oil. Check the label to avoid added sugars.

How to Store Five Grain Bread

Here are some tips for storing five grain bread:</p

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.