Bread has been around for centuries. It is believed that the first grinding stone for the manufacture of flour was invented by the Egyptians in 8000BC. Flat breads were first baked, but later it was discovered that adding yeast made the bread rise. Bread is probably the one food eaten by people of every race, culture and religion and is a universal sign of peace.
According to the National Adult Nutrition Survey (Summary report March 2011) bread is consumed by 98% of the population and the average intake for white, brown and wholemeal was equivalent to 2 slices of bread per day. Carbohydrates are the main source of fuel for the body. The body needs this source of fuel to function correctly. Major organs such as the kidney and the heart use carbohydrates. There are two types of carbohydrates, simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are found in bread and other grain foods. Complex carbohydrates are a healthy and necessary part of the diet for both kids and adults.
For most people their diet should be made up of 45 – 65% carbohydrate. The food pyramid was designed to make healthy eating easier. If you look at the bottom of the food pyramid, you can see that for adults and children over 5, greater than 6 portions of carbohydrate foods should be chosen. Bread can make up part of this 6 portions.
Understanding the Food Pyramid
