Artisanal bread making involves a natural starter which is made with water, salt, and flour, unlike the commercial bread that is made using yeast and dough conditioners. Homemade artisanal bread is a definite comfort food and some of the best artisanal bread ideas are quite easily available on the Internet.

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There are many types of artisanal bread, some of which include the following:

• Boule
• Batard
• Challah
• Couronne
• Pizza

Here are a few health benefits of artisanal bread:

High nutritional value:
Since whole grain is used in making artisanal bread, it is rich in fiber. Rye grain is a known source that helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Five Seeds is an extremely healthy artisanal bread, which is made of wheat flour, linseeds, pumpkin seeds, oats, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds. Many other types of artisanal bread are available that are made using nuts, herbs olive oil, black beans, which are rich in Vitamin E, minerals, and antioxidants.

No preservatives:
The easily available store-bought bread is laden with artificial preservatives and refined sugars. This is not the case with artisanal bread, which is rich in acetic acid. Acetic acid prevents the growth of mold and is a natural preservative.

Gluten-free:
Unlike store-bought bread, artisanal bread is made through a natural fermentation process. As a result, gluten is broken down , thereby making the bread easily digestible.

Neutralizes phytic acid:
Sourdough used in making artisanal bread is a rich source of lactobacillus and wild yeast. It helps to neutralize phytic acid through acidification. The acid that is present in the wheat bran is known to cause bloating and discomfort. It also obstructs the absorption of important minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium etc. The lactobacillus present in the sourdough enhances acidification, which reduces the phytate content, thus increasing digestion and mineral absorption. The wild yeast releases an enzyme called phytase that predigests the flour, thus preventing bloating and discomfort in your stomach.

Helps in weight loss:
White bread has a high glycemic index (GI) that results in unhealthy weight gain. This is not the case with artisanal bread that lowers postprandial glycemic response. This is because lactic acid, propionic acid, and acetic acid reduce the quantity of starch.

Apart from these benefits, artisanal bread is known for its great flavor. This is a result of a long processing time and the wealth of healthy organisms. The thick crust gives it a longer shelf life.

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