All three procedures investigated, freezing and defrosting, toasting from fresh, and toasting following freezing and defrosting, favourably altered the glucose response of the breads. This is the first study known to the authors to show reductions in glycaemic response as a result of changes in storage conditions and the preparation of white bread before consumption. In addition, the study highlights a need to define and maintain storage conditions of white bread if used as a reference food in the determination of the glycaemic index of foods.
The role of carbohydrates in health and disease has received a high profile in recent years, in particular the glycaemic index (GI) as a physiological classification of carbohydrate foods. A common carbohydrate source in the UK is white bread, which is considered to have a high GI value and low satiety value. In the present study, the possibility of favourably altering the GI of white bread by manipulating bread structure (loaf form) was investigated. In a randomised repeated-measures design, ten subjects were tested for glycaemic and satiety responses to four loaves of varying volume, but of consistent macronutrient content. Peak plasma glucose levels and GI values were shown to be significantly reduced by lowering loaf volume (P=0·007, P<0·001 respectively). In addition, a greater satiety index (SI) was seen with decreased loaf volume (P<0·001). In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that reducing the volume of white bread, which is generally considered to be high-GI and low-SI, can favourably alter metabolic and appetite responses. Relatively small differences in the GI of regularly consumed starch foods have been shown to have beneficial effects on health.
The challenge of provision of a much wider range of foods of relatively low glycemic response than is currently available, especially in terms of cereal products, has been highlighted in recent years and this has particular relevance to bread consumption. Although there has been some transition to brown bread consumption, white bread remains a firm feature in the typical average western diet. This review first outlines the relationship between the glycemic impact of foods and health. What is important is that relatively small differences in glycemic potency of regularly consumed starch foods have been shown to have beneficial effects on health outcomes. Second, factors affecting glycemic response with particular application to white bread formulations are discussed. Novel ways of reformulating this highly favored carbohydrate staple, by using composite flours, with the aim of developing products of reduced glycemic response are highlighted in this review. Importantly, a new and significant focus on the role of unavailable carbohydrate in glycemic improvement is emerging. This has important application in increasing accessibility to health benefits by contributing to the prevention of and management of glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and associated chronic disease to a wider range of consumers.
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