Bread generally does not contain cholesterol, but varieties that contain animal products, such as milk and butter, do. White bread and other types of bread made with refined grains can raise a person’s cholesterol level.
Bread is a staple food for many different cultures, and there are hundreds of different types. Some varieties of bread contain dietary cholesterol, while others can raise LDL or “bad” cholesterol in the blood. However, studies suggest that dietary cholesterol has little effect on blood cholesterol levels. This article goes into more detail about bread and cholesterol, the role of whole grains in cholesterol control, and how to eat a healthy diet to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Does bread contain cholesterol?
The cholesterol content of bread depends on certain factors. There are two types of cholesterol: one in the blood and one in food, called dietary cholesterol. Most breads are made with flour, water, and yeast and do not contain cholesterol. But some types of bread are made from animal products that are high in saturated fat, which often contain cholesterol. Also, bread made with white or refined grains can raise LDL cholesterol levels. We examine this point in more detail below.
Saturated and trans fats
Some varieties of bread contain animal products such as milk, butter, or eggs, which contain saturated fat. Foods high in saturated fat are generally high in cholesterol. However, dietary cholesterol has little effect on a person’s blood cholesterol. Saturated and trans fats in food have a greater effect on raising a person’s cholesterol level.
The following table shows the approximate cholesterol and saturated fat content of different types of bread.
Type of bread Saturated fat Cholesterol
brioche (77 g piece) 11 g 134 mg
biscuits (101g) 4.36g 3.03mg
roll (60g) 1.85g 39.6mg
White bread
White bread contains refined bread flour, a process that removes the bran and germ to give the flour a finer texture.
However, this process also removes essential nutrients such as:
the iron
B vitamins
Dietary fiber
Therefore, some manufacturers add vitamins “enriching” refined flour, but do not replace fiber. This lack of fiber means white bread is less likely to make you feel full and more likely to trigger overeating. Refined grains, also called refined carbohydrates, are also digested faster by the body, which can raise blood sugar levels. A person with high blood sugar is more likely to have higher LDL cholesterol and lower HDL, or well, cholesterol.
Whole grains and cholesterol control
Whole wheat bread contains all the nutrients and fiber of cereals, making it a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber prevents the body from absorbing certain fats and cholesterol. This can lower triglycerides, another type of blood fat, and cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. A 2019 study also found that replacing white bread, which has a high glycemic index (GI), with whole wheat bread, which has a low GI, for breakfast slows down the body’s glycemic response. Research links high blood sugar to high LDL cholesterol.
Types of wholemeal bread include those made with the following products:
integral
whole barley
Integral rice
whole oats
oatmeal
sprouted grains
whole rye
multiple whole grains
A heart healthy diet
A high level of LDL cholesterol in the blood contributes to the buildup of fats that narrow the arteries, called atherosclerosis. This increases the risk of:
myocardial infarction
career
Peripheral arterial disease
Try eating whole grains as part of a balanced diet to lower cholesterol levels, as well as:
fruit
vegetables
poultry
fish
the nuts
non-tropical vegetable oils
Limit your intake of the following foods:
foods that contain saturated and trans fats
red and processed meats
dairy products made with whole milk
fried food
Salt
foods and drinks with added sugar
refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, pasta, and rice.
Frequent questions
Here are some answers to common questions about bread and cholesterol.
Does rye bread contain cholesterol?
Rye bread does not contain dietary cholesterol because it does not contain butter or other animal products.
Does gluten-free bread contain cholesterol?
Gluten-free bread made with animal products, such as milk, butter, or eggs, may contain cholesterol.
Resume
Bread is a staple in the diet of many people around the world. While most types of bread do not contain dietary cholesterol, some may contain animal products that are high in saturated fat. Foods high in saturated fat are generally high in dietary cholesterol. However, studies have shown that dietary cholesterol has little effect on blood cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are more likely to raise LDL cholesterol levels in our blood, as are refined carbohydrates like white bread. People should try to increase their fiber intake, including eating more whole grain breads, which can help lower cholesterol levels. This can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.
* HealthKey strives to convey health knowledge in a language accessible to all. In NO EVENT can the information provided replace the opinion of a health professional.