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Bread has been a staple in the diet of many cultures for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Here are the nutritional highlights of our daily loaf:

Energy: bread provides energy for our bodies. One slice of standard medium sliced white bread typically provides around 100 kcal.

Carbohydrates: most breads are low in sugars and rich in complex carbohydrates (carbs). Carbs are an important part of the diet as they provide the body with energy

Protein: not many people realise, but bread actually provides our bodies with protein. In fact, the 2008 National Diet and Nutrition Survey reported that cereals and cereal products were the third biggest contributor of protein in the diet.  Proteins are essential for growth, development and repair of the body

Fat: bread tends to be low fat, helping it fit perfectly as part of a healthy, balanced diet. It is important to watch what goes on it and avoid loading it up with fatty toppings 

Fibre: products that contain wheat bran fibre and similar cereal components e.g. brown, wholemeal, oat and added fibre breads all provide some fibre. Fibre helps to keep our digestive system in healthy, working order. Furthermore, Hovis Hearty Oats bread provides a special type of fibre called beta-glucan, which is found naturally in oats and can help to keep cholesterol levels in check*

B vitamins: bread contains various B vitamins, including thiamin (vitamin B1) and niacin (vitamin B3) which are essential for releasing energy from food

Iron: with its role in red blood cell formation, cognitive function and oxygen transport around the body, iron is a key nutrient which bread provides. 

Calcium: white flour has been fortified with calcium for more than 60 years, so breads made using white flour will provide some calcium. Two medium slices of Hovis Best of Both bread provides 48% of an adult’s recommended daily amount (RDA) of calcium. This may help those who do not eat dairy products to achieve their daily calcium requirements.

*Two slices of Hovis Hearty Oats TM contains 1.0g of beta-glucan, a third of your daily suggested intake of 3g. Hovis Hearty Oats Bread contains natural oat beta-glucan which if eaten regularly, as part of a healthy lifestyle and a diet low in saturated fat, has been shown to help maintain normal cholesterol levels in your blood.