Is it true that eating hot bread blocks digestion?

Many of us will have felt scolded by our grandmothers when we tried to grab a fragrant loaf fresh out of the oven. According to the housewives of the past, there is nothing worse for our stomach than eating bread that is still warm.

But what is true in this belief? Should we be careful not to consume bread and baked goods when they are still hot? Is it true that eating hot bread blocks digestion?

Let’s see what the science says.

Popular wisdom holds that eating hot bread is dangerous

According to our grandmothers, you shouldn’t eat hot bread as this could cause stomach and stomach upsetintestine, or even lead to a dangerous occlusion of the digestive tract. In addition, according to some housewives of the past, eating hot bread would tend to encourage hasty and messy eating, especially in children. According to others, the danger lies entirely in the yeast, which when the bread is hot would still be active, and would risk making the bread swell in the belly if we are too impatient and eat it fresh out of the oven.

But were they right? Is it true that eating hot bread blocks digestion?

It’s actually a rumor

Unfortunately for the old folk wisdom, science has shown that there is no danger in eating hot bread. So no, it is not true that eating hot bread blocks digestion. It is a peasant legend, handed down over the centuries by housewives, probably to discourage children from stealing freshly baked bread.

It makes no difference to our digestion whether we eat bread that’s still warm or a few hours old. Of course though, it can make a difference to our taste buds.

Eating homemade bread is a pleasure, especially if it was made with sourdough, the best ally of bakers (here’s how to refresh the sourdough for perfect bread).