Researchers pit white bread against wheat in weight loss study

• Bread has been portrayed as Public Enemy No. 1 for low-carb dieters trying to slice inches off their wasitlines.
• But, reports CBS News Correspondent Serena Altschul, there's growing scientific evidence showing that idea to be a misconception.
• "It's not just the total carbohydrates, but it's about the types of carbs you are consuming that will affect your waistline," says P.K Newby of Tufts University.
• In two studies spanning three years, scientists at Tufts followed the eating habits of over 450 healthy middle-aged people.
• They compared those who ate foods high in refined flour --- like white bread --- to those with diets loaded with whole grain products.
• "Those individuals in the white bread group had about a half-an-inch larger waist circumference than compared to those in the healthy high fiber group," Newby says.
• But, remarks Altschul, the real shocker is that the white bread lovers with the expanding waistlines ate less total carbohydrates than whole wheat eaters.
• It was the white bread that made the difference.
• Here's why: Researchers believe refined flour in white bread metabolizes faster in the body than whole grains.
• The rush of insulin turns into fat more quickly -- right on your waistline.
• Conagra -- one the companies that originaly brought refined flour to American grocery shelves -- has rolled out a new product claiming the taste and texture of white flour, with the benefits of whole grain.
• Read the government's 2005 guidelines, calculate your body mass index and quiz yourself on healthy food choices.
• Have you consumed myths about diet and nutrition?
• Video New federal dietary guidelines put a greater emphasis on whole grain foods, which could cut more than just calories.
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