Ezekiel Bread is made from a variety of sprouted grains and legumes, giving it a hearty texture. It's a good source of dietary fiber and plant-based protein and is a complete protein – each slice contains all nine essential amino acids.
The defining feature of sprouted grains, like Ezekiel Bread, is their improved digestibility. The sprouting process breaks down the starch and releases the nutrients contained in the grain. This makes the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential amino acids more easily available to the body. Essentially, sprouting maximizes the nutritional value of grains and legumes.
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Fiber plays an important role in digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and supporting intestinal function. Much of the fiber in Ezekiel Bread comes from a combination of sprouted grains, including wheat, barley, millet and spelt.
Grains are especially good sources of insoluble fiber (the type of fiber that remains intact as it passes through your body), which helps move nutrients through your digestive tract and promotes healthy colonies of gut bacteria.
The sprouted grains in Ezekiel Bread may have a positive effect on digestion. Grains contain anti-nutrients, compounds (such as phytates) that block the absorption of certain nutrients. The sprouting process reduces the anti-nutrients and improves digestibility.
Sprouting also increases the activity of the amylase enzyme in the grain. Amylase breaks down the starch in the grain into simple sugars, including glucose (the body's main source of energy). However, resistant starches (the parts of the sprouted grain that cannot be digested) remain intact. These resistant starches have positive effects on gut health.
The sprouted grains in Ezekiel Bread support the intestine in many ways because the sprouting process activates grain enzymes, which frees up nutrients stored within the grain and improves nutrient absorption in the body. For example, improved zinc absorption improves the strength of the intestinal protective layer, which helps prevent harmful substances from entering the intestine.
Bean sprouts are especially rich in phenols, plant compounds that protect the gut from potentially harmful substances and support the immune system.
Sprouts also contain resistant starch, dietary fiber and short-chain carbohydrates (monosaccharides, or “simple sugars”) that may promote the growth of probiotics — healthy strains of live bacteria that support a diverse and balanced population of bacteria in the gut.
Sprouted grains may also have a positive effect on blood sugar (sugar) control. The fiber in whole grains slows the digestion of carbohydrates, making blood sugar more stable. Because the sprouting process maximizes the fiber and protein content, they are especially effective at reducing blood sugar spikes. Stable blood sugar levels help keep energy levels constant and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Made with sprouted grains and legumes, Ezekiel bread contains 3 grams (g) of fiber and 5 g of protein per slice.
Increasing plant protein in the diet may reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. High plant protein intake (compared to animal protein) has been shown to improve cholesterol and lower blood pressure.
Sprouting also improves the overall nutritional value of grains and legumes. The sprouting process breaks down proteins into smaller particles, which increases the availability of amino acids (the building blocks of protein) and other bioactive compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ezekiel Bread is a complete protein, a plant-based source of protein that contains all nine essential amino acids. This high-quality protein is derived from a wide variety of sprouted grains and legumes.
Higher whole grain intake is associated with lower BMI (body mass index), smaller waist circumference, less abdominal fat and easier weight management. Whole grains are defined as grains that contain all of their essential nutritional components: bran, germ and endosperm.
Whole grains contain many different types of dietary fiber. Beta-glucan and resistant starch type 4 are known to promote satiety. Whole grains also contain bioactive compounds, such as lignans and phytosterols, that may affect body composition through metabolic effects. Sprouting increases the nutritional value of whole grains, so sprouted grains may contain more of these substances.
Therefore, Ezekiel Bread, rich in sprouted whole grains, may be beneficial for weight management. It is also low in calories, with only 80 calories per slice.
Ezekiel Bread is made from four whole grains (wheat, barley, millet and spelt) and two legumes (lentil and soy), all organic and sprouted. Below is the nutritional content for one slice of Food for Life Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Bread:
Calories: 79.9 Fat: 0.5 grams (g) Sodium: 75 milligrams (mg) Carbohydrates: 15 g Fiber: 3 g Added sugars: 0 g Protein: 5 g Magnesium: 25.8 mg, or 6% of the recommended daily value (DV) Zinc: 1 mg, or 9% of the recommended daily value (DV) Iron: 1 mg, or 5% of the recommended daily value (DV)
Unlike most commercial wheat breads, Ezekiel is a flourless bread made with whole grains. In contrast, the grains in most commercial wheat breads are refined into flour and the bran and germ are removed to create a softer bread, which reduces the fiber and nutrients in the grain. The grains in Ezekiel bread are sprouted, adding superior nutrient density.
One slice of Ezekiel Bread contains more fiber than wheat bread (1.16 g) and three times the fiber of white bread (> 1 g). Ezekiel Bread is also high in protein and nutrients such as magnesium, zinc and iron.
Ezekiel bread is a safe and nutritious choice, however, it is not suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities as it contains gluten from wheat, barley and spelt.
When people with celiac disease ingest gluten, it damages the small intestine, causing symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. People with gluten sensitivities may also experience similar symptoms.
Use it to make toast (e.g. avocado toast, egg and turkey, plant-based bacon, etc.) Use two slices of Ezekiel bread and crisp romaine to make chicken salad, egg salad, or tofu salad sandwiches Make nut butter and cream cheese (or dairy-free cream cheese) and jelly sandwiches Toast and cut into “croutons” for a leafy green salad
Cut the bread into circles and fry the remaining pieces in a frying pan with the eggs to make egg poached in holes.
Ezekiel Bread is packed with fiber, protein and a variety of phytonutrients (phytonutrients with heart-protective and antioxidant benefits). Its blend of six sprouted whole grains and legumes gives it a nutritional value superior to most breads.
The sprouted grains and legumes in Ezekiel Bread have positive effects on digestion and gut health, while the fiber and high-quality plant protein also contribute to blood sugar control, heart health and weight management.
Ezekiel bread is nutritious and low in calories, but it does contain gluten and should not be consumed by people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
