The Health Benefits of Atta Bread vs. Multigrain Bread: Which Wins?

A common misconception among most people is that these two terms – whole wheat bread and multigrain bread – are interchangeable. Whole grain means that all the elements of the grain – bran, germ and endosperm – are used. In contrast, multigrain means that a food item contains more than one type of grain. However, it is not necessary that any of them is a whole grain. So, read on to know the difference between the two variants – whole wheat atta bread and multigrain bread.

When we buy a packet of whole wheat bread from the market, what we primarily pay for is unrefined, unprocessed whole wheat. The bran or husk and the sprout are considered to be the most nutritious parts of the wheat grain which contain vitamins B1, B2, B3, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron and dietary fiber.

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Most of these nutrients are lost during the process of modification or refining. Whole grain foods are the best option as they are rich in nutrients like iron and calcium, in addition to dietary fiber, which are considered important components of a healthy diet. Consuming fiber-rich foods not only reduces the risk of heart disease, but it also controls blood pressure.

Multigrain means that there is more than one type of grain present in your food but it is not necessary that any of these is a whole grain, even if your packet of bread contains many types of grains like buckwheat and millet etc. Unless the bread label says that the product is made from whole grains, your multigrain bread may be made from refined flour that may lack the important nutrients found in the bran and sprouts.

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Although multigrain bread is becoming quite popular in the market and among people these days, research suggests that whole wheat atta bread may be healthier for you. In fact, experts recommend that an adult should consume at least 3 servings of whole grain products in a day. One such study, published in the journal Circulation in 2016, states that several bioactive compounds present in whole grain foods are helpful in preventing heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, stomach diseases, poor bone or skeletal health and diseases related to the nervous system.

The high fiber content in whole grains helps reduce oxidative stress and the production of bad cholesterol and also helps in initiating a better glucose response. Whole grains also contain magnesium, which is helpful in promoting insulin sensitivity and lowering blood pressure.

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As already mentioned, the bran or husk and sprouts are the most nutritious part of any whole grain. The following nutrients are found in it:

• Vitamin B1, B2, B3
• Folic acid
• Phosphorus
• Zinc
• Calcium
• Copper
• Iron
• Since whole wheat bread is not refined, all these nutrients are found in it in full.

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Whole grains take longer to be absorbed by the body: The body takes longer to absorb various products made from whole grains, such as whole wheat bread. Due to the slow absorption rate, there is no rapid increase in sugar and insulin levels. If the multigrain bread is not made from whole grains, it will be absorbed by the body faster and will also boost insulin levels.

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Whole grains are high in dietary fiber: Dietary fiber is an important part of any weight loss plan. Soluble fiber slows down the digestion process, allowing food to stay in the digestive system longer and increasing the amount of nutrients absorbed by the body. Fiber also gives a feeling of fullness and satiety, which prevents you from eating too much food. If you want to lose weight, choose whole wheat atta bread the next time you go to buy bread.

If you want to lose weight and build muscles, whole wheat bread is the safest and best option for you. Multigrain may sound attractive, but unless it is made with whole grains, it contains the same and the same nutrients as processed white bread.

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Both atta bread and multigrain bread are considered beneficial for health, but there is a difference in their nutrients. Atta bread is made of whole wheat, which contains a good amount of fiber, iron and carbohydrates, which is beneficial for the digestive system and provides energy. On the other hand, multigrain bread contains a variety of grains, such as barley, jowar, bajra, ragi, etc., making it rich in more fiber and various nutrients. It helps control blood sugar, improve heart health and keep the stomach full for a long time. If you want varied nutrition and are mindful of your heart health, multigrain bread may be a better option.