Bleached Flour

Definition

Refined flour that has been stripped of its bran and germ and therefore lacking in naturally occurring vitamins and minerals.

Health Impact

Bleached flour is typically treated with chemicals in the bleaching process such as benzoyl peroxide, potassium bromate, or chlorine. Potassium bromate is linked to health issues such as kidney damage and cancer in mice.

Sources

• What’s the Difference Between Bleached and Unbleached Flour?

  Healthline

• Taurine ameliorates potassium bromate-induced kidney damage in rats

  Pub Med

• Carcinogenicity of potassium bromate administered in the drinking water to male B6C3F1 mice and F344/N rats

  Pub Med