Bread often gets a bad rap along with other carbs, but Dr. Chintal Patel recently took to Instagram with a refreshing perspective. In a viral video, she suggests that there’s a smart way to enjoy bread—if you freeze it first.
In her clip on Instagram @drchintalskitchen, Dr. Patel explains that freezing bread overnight and then reheating it can actually alter the starch structure. With 2.3 million views, her advice is certainly gaining traction.
Dr. Patel notes that this process produces resistant starch, which feeds gut bacteria and promotes a healthy microbiome. Plus, it lowers the glycemic index of the bread, making it better for managing blood sugar levels.
“Regular, mass-produced, ultra-processed bread can spike your blood sugar rapidly,” she elaborates. “Freezing and reheating can mitigate this effect, making it especially beneficial for diabetics.”
In the U.S., whole-wheat and multigrain breads take the lead in popularity, with 192 million Americans consuming them in 2020, according to Statista. White bread trails behind, while bran bread is the least popular choice.
Is Daily Bread Consumption Okay?
Interestingly, a study published in the journal Nutrients in 2017 revealed that Americans are eating less grain-based foods. In fact, bread, tortillas, and cereals accounted for less than 15% of daily calories among U.S. consumers.
This reduction isn’t surprising, as bread often tops the list of foods dieters avoid. Many store-bought varieties are packed with artificial ingredients and preservatives, pushed by big bread manufacturers to satisfy consumer demand.
Which Bread Should You Choose?
With numerous types of bread available, from whole grains to highly processed options, the choices can be overwhelming.
Dr. Patel shares her go-to: a seeded wholemeal sourdough. If you’re feeling adventurous, making your own whole-grain bread lets you control the ingredients easily.
Community Reactions
The May 15 video has already garnered nearly 40,000 likes and around 990 comments, with many sharing their bread-freezing techniques for different reasons, primarily money-saving.
“I always freeze my bread because I take ages to finish a loaf! I didn’t know it was good for me too!” one viewer remarked.
Another user chimed in: “Freeze the bread, make sandwiches in the morning, and it’s perfect by lunchtime—no ice pack required!”