Sourdough Bread: Good or Bad?

Who doesn’t like the satisfaction of baking their own bread? In recent years, making your own sourdough bread has gained massive popularity. It all started with the shortage of baker’s yeast that came as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This made sourdough the new go-to as it does not require this ingredient.

Breads can either be leavened or unleavened. Leavened breads contain a leavening agent, typically baker’s yeast, that causes them to rise, while unleavened breads do not and therefore do not rise. Sourdough bread is considered a leavened bread, however, rather than having to add baker’s yeast, it is leavened through the “wild yeast” and lactic acid bacteria that are naturally present in flour.  

While this may sound strange, lactic acid bacteria is recognized as a safe food application that is also found in other foods such as yogurt, kefir, pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Together, with wild yeast, it has been shown to have health benefits that regular bread does not.

For starters, these two elements lower the pH level of the bread, which in turn, increases the nutrient and antioxidant content. Additionally, through the neutralization of the antinutrients naturally found in grains, the grains present in sourdough become easier to digest compared to bread fermented by baker’s yeast. Sourdough’s fermentation process can also produce prebiotics, which are indigestible fibers that promote the good bacteria in your gut, which also helps with digestion. Lastly, if you’re looking for a grain that’s low in gluten (and offers a completely gluten-free option), sourdough is the answer! For those with gluten sensitivities, sourdough may be the bread for you. The lower gluten content also adds to sourdough’s easier digestion process. These benefits are all thanks to the fermentation sourdough goes through with wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria.

So, if you’re thinking about joining the trend of fermenting your own sourdough, give it a try! Not only will you be to take pride in making your own bread, but your body will thank you for making a healthier bread choice.

For more information on sourdough and how to make it, click here.