Gold Medal Unbleached Bread Flour
Summary
Gold Medal Unbleached Bread Flour is a processed food with a relatively clean ingredient list, consisting mainly of wheat flour and added vitamins. The absence of harmful additives such as artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives contributes positively to its rating. However, due to its processing level, the score is capped, reflecting the balance between ingredient quality and processing considerations.
At a glance
Key ingredients 7
Wheat flourNeutral
Wheat flour is a staple ingredient in bread making, providing structure and texture. It is a refined flour, which means it lacks the bran and germ found in whole wheat flour, reducing its fiber content. While it is a common ingredient, it does not offer significant nutritional benefits compared to whole grain alternatives.
Risks
Refined wheat flour can contribute to blood sugar spikes and lacks the fiber and nutrients found in whole grains.
Benefits
Provides essential structure and texture to baked goods, making it a versatile ingredient in baking.
NiacinNeutral
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is added to flour to enrich its nutritional profile. It plays a role in energy metabolism and maintaining healthy skin and nerves. While beneficial, it is typically added in small amounts that do not significantly impact overall nutrition.
Benefits
Supports energy metabolism and contributes to maintaining healthy skin and nerves.
IronNeutral
Iron is an essential mineral added to flour to prevent deficiencies and support oxygen transport in the blood. It is often added in the form of ferrous sulfate or other compounds. While important for health, the bioavailability of iron in enriched flour can be lower than from natural sources.
Risks
Excessive iron intake can lead to toxicity, but this is unlikely from typical consumption of enriched flour.
Benefits
Essential for oxygen transport in the blood and preventing iron-deficiency anemia.
Thiamine mononitrateNeutral
Thiamine mononitrate is a synthetic form of vitamin B1 used to fortify flour. It is crucial for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function. While it enhances the nutritional value of flour, it is typically present in small amounts.
Benefits
Supports carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function, preventing thiamine deficiency.
RiboflavinNeutral
Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is added to flour to improve its nutritional content. It plays a role in energy production and the metabolism of fats, drugs, and steroids. Although beneficial, the amounts added to flour are generally small.
Benefits
Contributes to energy production and the metabolism of various substances in the body.
EnzymesNeutral
Enzymes are added to flour to improve dough handling and bread quality. They help break down starches and proteins, enhancing texture and volume. While they improve baking performance, they do not contribute significant nutritional value.
Benefits
Enhances dough handling and bread quality by improving texture and volume.
Folic acidNeutral
Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9 used to fortify flour, crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division. It is particularly important for pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects. While beneficial, it is typically added in small amounts that do not significantly impact overall nutrition.
Risks
Excessive intake of folic acid can mask vitamin B12 deficiency, but this is unlikely from typical consumption of enriched flour.
Benefits
Essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, particularly important during pregnancy.
Processing
Processed Foods
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