Freezing Bread May Make It Healthier, Says US Doctor

Post by : Saif Nasser

A US health expert has shared a simple kitchen trick that can make everyday bread healthier. According to Dr Kunal Sood, an anesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine physician, freezing bread does more than just extend its shelf life. It can actually improve how your body reacts to it, especially when it comes to gut health and blood sugar levels. His explanation, posted in an Instagram video on November 28, has sparked interest among people who regularly store bread in the freezer.

Dr Sood explains that when bread is frozen and later defrosted, a natural change happens inside the starch. This change, known as retrogradation, transforms part of the starch into something called resistant starch. Unlike normal starch, resistant starch behaves more like fibre. It takes longer for the body to digest, which helps keep blood sugar levels steadier after meals. This can be helpful for people who want to avoid sudden sugar spikes.

He adds that resistant starch also works as a prebiotic, meaning it feeds the good bacteria in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome supports digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. Dr Sood highlighted a study that showed how freezing and then defrosting white bread could reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes by as much as 30 percent when compared to eating fresh bread. This suggests that a simple act like freezing bread can offer measurable health benefits.

Dr Sood further explains that toasting the bread after defrosting can strengthen the effect of retrogradation even more. When the bread is toasted, its structure becomes firmer, and the starch continues to behave like resistant starch. This means slower digestion, better glucose control, and improved nourishment for the gut bacteria. For many households where bread is a daily food item, this information offers an easy way to make meals healthier without changing eating habits drastically.

Many people freeze bread to avoid waste, especially when they buy multiple loaves at once or live alone. With this new insight, freezing bread becomes not just a storage choice but a health-friendly practice. Dr Sood’s message is simple: when you put bread in the freezer, you are not only keeping it fresh for longer, but you are also helping your body handle it better. Defrosting and toasting bring even more benefits, making the bread easier on the digestive system and smoother on blood sugar levels.

This explanation from a medical professional has encouraged many viewers to rethink how they store their bread at home. It also highlights how small changes in food preparation can create meaningful benefits. As people continue to look for simple ways to improve their health, this freezer-friendly tip offers a practical and accessible solution.