Irish Soda Bread – Healthiest Bread Ever?

by | Apr 24, 2014 | Health and Wellness

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Irish Soda Bread

Irish soda bread is a hearty quick bread which is a staple in Ireland. Traditional Irish Soda Bread has only four ingredients:

  • Whole Wheat Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Buttermilk
  • Salt

Irish soda bread is 100% natural. It uses baking soda as a leavening agent instead of yeast so it doesn’t give people a bloated feeling. Low-fat buttermilk gives flavor and texture to the bread. Whole wheat makes it healthier and heartier. A good source of energy yet low on carbohydrates and deters hunger for longer.

 

According to calorie-counter.net  One Serving of Irish Soda Bread contains:

Calories: 290

Total Fat: 1 gram

Saturated Fat: 0 grams

Total Carbohydrate: 56 grams

Protein: 6.6 grams

Fiber: 2.6 grams

 

Minerals Nutrition in Irish Soda Bread

Calcium (Ca) content (mg per 100g) 81

Iron (Fe) content (mg per 100g) 2.69

Magnesium (Mg) content (mg per 100g) 23

Phosphorus (P) content (mg per 100g) 114

Potassium (K) content (mg per 100g) 266

Sodium (Na) content (mg per 100g) 398

Zinc (Zn) content (mg per 100g) 0.57

Copper (Cu) content (mg per 100g) 0.13

Manganese (Mn) content (mg per 100g) 0.355

Selenium (Se) content (µ per 100g) 16

 

Vitamins Nutrition in Irish Soda Bread

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) content (mg per 100g) 0.8

Thiamin content (vitamin B-1) (mg per 100g) 0.298

Riboflavin content (vitamin B-2) (mg per 100g) 0.269

Niacin content (vitamin B-3) (mg per 100g) 2.405

Pantothenic Acid content (vitamin B-5) (mg per 100g) 0.25

Vitamin B-6 content (mg per 100g) 0.083

Folate content (µg per 100g) 47

Folic Acid content (µg per 100g) 37

Food Folate content (µg per 100g) 10

Folate content (DFE per 100g) 73

Vitamin B-12 content (µg per 100g) 0.05

Vitamin A content (µg per 100g) 194

Vitamin A content (Int. Units, IU, per 100g) 48

Retinol content (µg per 100g) 45

 

Health benefits of Irish Soda Bread:

  1. Low in saturated fat reduces the risk of inflammatory diseases
  2. Low in cholesterol  – may reduce the risk of heart disease.
  3. Sugar free – reduces the risk of diabetes
  4. Rich in dietary fibers – may reduce constipation ; for better weight maintenance.


Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

4 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 ½ cup low-fat buttermilk

 

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F
  2. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Make a well in the center and add the buttermilk. Fold the ingredients until combined but do not over mix.
  3. Shape into a round loaf on a greased baking sheet. With a serrated knife, carefully mark a ¼ inch deep X on top of the loaf.
  4. Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into wedges and serve.