Schar Bread: A Tasty Keto Treat?

Whether or not bread can be consumed as part of a keto diet depends on its ingredients and nutritional content. One variety of Schär bread, the Artisan Baker White Bread, is considered non-keto due to its high carbohydrate content and the presence of ingredients like sugar, sunflower oil, and honey. However, another variety, the Artisan Bakers Multi Seed Keto Bread, is available and may be more suitable for a keto diet.

Schar bread is not keto-friendly due to high-carb content

Schar Artisan Baker White Bread is not keto-friendly due to its high-carb content. Per 62 grams (or two slices), this bread contains 43.55 grams of net carbs, which is very high compared to the ideal daily net carb intake of 20-30 grams for ketosis. The high-carb content is due to the use of high-glycemic sweeteners such as sugar, honey, and agave, which can raise blood sugar levels and prevent the body from reaching ketosis.

In addition to its high-carb content, Schar Artisan Baker White Bread also contains other ingredients that are not considered keto-friendly. For example, sunflower oil, a highly refined oil prone to oxidation, may cause inflammation in the body. The bread also contains wheat starch, wheat gluten, and corn starch, which are not typical keto-friendly ingredients and may be problematic for those following a strict keto diet.

As an alternative to Schar Artisan Baker White Bread, those on a keto diet can look for store-bought breads that are low in net carbs and use keto-friendly sweeteners. Some recommended sweeteners for keto diets include stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol. It is also important to consider the overall nutritional profile of the bread, ensuring it aligns with the high-fat, low-carb principles of a keto diet.

While Schar Artisan Baker White Bread may not be suitable for keto dieters due to its high-carb content, it is important to note that bread is a challenging food group to fully keto-ify. Even keto-marketed breads may not suit an individual's macros or long-term health goals. As such, some keto dieters may opt to make their own keto bread at home to better control the ingredients and nutritional content.

Ingredients like sugar, honey, and agave raise blood sugar levels

The Schar Artisan Baker White Bread is not keto-friendly as it contains high-glycemic sweeteners like sugar, honey, and agave. These sweeteners can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and prevent you from reaching ketosis.

Sugar, honey, and agave are all high-glycemic sweeteners that can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. This is because they contain high levels of fructose, which can be metabolised quickly by the body. When there is an excess of fructose, the liver converts it into triglycerides, a type of fat that can become trapped and lead to chronic medical conditions. This can cause insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Agave syrup, in particular, has a very high fructose content, with about 80-85% fructose compared to only about 55% in high-fructose corn syrup.

Additionally, these sweeteners are often highly processed, which can destroy any potential health benefits. For example, agave syrup is made by treating agave sugars with heat and enzymes, which removes any beneficial health effects the plant may have had.

As a result, it is important to limit the consumption of these sweeteners, especially for those on a keto diet or trying to manage their blood sugar levels.

Sunflower oil is prone to oxidation and may cause inflammation

The potential harm caused by sunflower oil is exacerbated when heated above 450 degrees Fahrenheit or 232 degrees Celsius, as this causes the release of toxic compounds that can negatively affect overall health. These compounds, known as aldehydes, have been linked to cell damage, genetic mutations, and an increased risk of cancer. Additionally, studies have found that sunflower oil emits higher levels of aldehydes when exposed to high heat over extended periods compared to other oils. As a result, it is recommended to consume sunflower oil in moderation and opt for low-heat cooking methods to minimise the risk of inflammation and other adverse health effects.

The effects of sunflower oil on inflammation have been observed in studies involving mice. One study found that sunflower oil supplementation in obese mice induced a pro-inflammatory response in macrophages and insulin-sensitive peripheral tissues, leading to increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Another study suggested that a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids, such as those found in sunflower oil, may contribute to inflammation in the body and related health issues. This is because omega-6 fatty acids are converted into arachidonic acid, which produces inflammatory compounds.

Gluten sensitivity is a common issue, and gluten isn't doing your body any favours

Schar bread is not keto-friendly. The Artisan Baker White Bread, for example, contains high-glycemic sweeteners like sugar, honey, and agave, which can raise your blood sugar levels and prevent you from reaching ketosis. It also contains sunflower oil, which is prone to oxidation and may cause inflammation in the body.

Now, on to gluten sensitivity. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, as well as in products made from these grains, such as conventional breads, pasta, cakes, and cookies. Gluten-related disorders include celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), and wheat allergy. Celiac disease is the most severe form of gluten intolerance, affecting about 1% of the population. It is an autoimmune disease that damages the small intestine and can lead to poor nutrient absorption, fatigue, skin problems, and digestive issues. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a milder form of gluten-related disorder, affecting 0.5-13% of people. It shares many symptoms with celiac disease, such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, and fatigue, but does not cause damage to the small intestine. Wheat allergy, on the other hand, is a type of food allergy that can cause symptoms like itchy eyes, trouble breathing, skin rashes, and digestive issues.

Gluten sensitivity is a common issue, and it's important to recognise the signs and symptoms. In addition to the gastrointestinal symptoms mentioned, gluten sensitivity can also cause headaches, joint pain, rashes, and "brain fog". If you suspect you have gluten sensitivity, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. They may suggest a gluten-free diet to see if your symptoms improve, but it's crucial to first rule out celiac disease through blood tests or biopsies of the small intestine. While on a gluten-free diet, it's important to ensure you're still getting adequate vitamins, minerals, and fibre.

Gluten sensitivity is indeed a common issue, and gluten isn't doing your body any favours if you're sensitive to it. A gluten-free diet can help alleviate the unpleasant symptoms associated with gluten sensitivity and improve your overall well-being.

Artisan Bakers offers a keto bread, but it's not keto-friendly due to tapioca starch

Artisan Bakers offers a keto bread, but it's not keto-friendly due to its tapioca starch content. Tapioca starch, derived from the cassava root, is a popular alternative flour for those who are gluten-free or follow a paleo diet. However, it is not suitable for a keto diet as it is high in carbohydrates and low in fats, which can quickly kick someone out of ketosis.

Artisan Bakers' Keto Bread, available at Costco, lists tapioca starch as its first ingredient. This bread has been reported to spike blood sugar levels, which is detrimental to maintaining ketosis. While some ingredients, such as gluten, wheat protein isolate, and cultured wheat flour, are problematic for a keto diet, tapioca starch is the primary concern.

Tapioca starch is often used in low-carb or gluten-free products due to its versatility and low cost. However, it is crucial to understand that not all low-carb foods are keto-friendly. The keto diet requires a strict adherence to a high-fat, exceptionally low-carb regimen to maintain ketosis and its associated health benefits.

To stay in ketosis, it is recommended to limit net carb consumption to 20-30 grams per day. Artisan Bakers' Keto Bread, with its tapioca starch content, is not aligned with this guideline and therefore cannot be considered a keto-friendly option. As a result, those following a keto diet should be cautious and carefully read ingredient labels to make informed choices.

While Artisan Bakers' Keto Bread may appeal to those seeking convenient keto options, the presence of tapioca starch makes it incompatible with the dietary requirements of ketosis. This highlights the importance of understanding the nutritional composition of foods and their potential impact on specific diets.

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