Does white bread cause cancer? It has been suggested in the past that simple carbohydrates may lead to some cancers, but these findings remain controversial.

Even if white bread does not increase the chance of cancer, it has no health benefits. Why? Because it is made with white flour, which contains very few nutrients. But perhaps its biggest claim to “fame” is expanding waistline.

Research shows, that people who receive over 10 percent of their daily calories from white bread gain weight – while those who prefer baked products made with whole grains – maintain their weight and, in some cases, could even lose a few pounds.

Note: If it says, “made with whole grains”, check the label. Some kind of whole grain [wheat or oats] should be listed first on the ingredients list. In addition, look for a product with at least 2 grams of fiber or more.

Since white bread contains simple carbohydrates, they cause blood sugar levels to spike “sky-high”. In turn, the body releases insulin, the hormone responsible for bringing sugar into cells – continually elevated insulin levels have been associated with obesity, heart disease and, as the latest research seems to suggest, cancer.

White bread increases cancer risk [...] Those who eat five slices a day are almost twice as likely to develop the most common form of kidney cancer compared to those who have one and a half slices.

The exact mechanism is not known, but Italian researchers theorized that rapidly raising blood sugar and insulin levels might support cancer cells growth.

Whole grain breads, as well as breads containing nuts and seeds, have more fiber, which helps promote a healthy intestinal tract and balanced blood sugar levels.