The taste of a fresh, warm bagel is irresistible. It makes a convenient and delicious grab-and-go breakfast. However, some varieties can contain up to 350 calories and more. When eaten with a topping full of unsaturated fats like cream cheese, bacon and butter it becomes an unhealthy choice. Fortunately, there are healthy bagels available today, made with ingredients that are actually good for you.
When it comes to nutritional content, this depends largely on the type of bagel. The most standard type consists of flour, yeast, salt, water and sugar. However, the popularity of these delicious ring shaped products has resulted in a proliferation of varieties. Some of these are very unhealthy whilst others are nutritious enough to form part of a balanced diet.
The ingredients used vary from wholegrain and sough dough to poppy seed and cinnamon raisin with chocolate chips. There are also ones made solely with organic ingredients, containing no sugar or sodium. High protein varieties are available, made with whey isolate which is rich in essential amino acids. Even gluten free varieties are available for those who are gluten intolerant.
Switching to a whole grain bagel is an obvious choice. Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber which keeps the digestive system running smoothly. It digests slowly, making one feel full for a longer period and giving plenty of energy. Grains also contain far more nutrients like minerals and vitamins than refined flour. For example, a multigrain bagel may contain flax seeds, a source of essential Omega 3 fats and sunflower seeds, a source of magnesium, selenium and vitamin E.
Checking the ingredients found in a bagel is important in order to make the right choice. Even those made with whole grains can still contain other harmful ingredients. For example, many of them contain far too much sugar and salt. Sugar is a known cause of many health problems and too much salt is not good for those with high blood pressure.
Another factor to consider is the size of the bagel. Many suppliers are offering smaller sized products today as the bigger ones are high in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are necessary to the body as they are broken down into glucose for fuel. However, carbohydrates in refined flour are metabolized quickly, making one want to eat more frequently. A problem arises when too many carbohydrates are consumed as the body stores them as fat.
The toppings chosen to eat with a bagel also play a significant role in its effect on health. Cream cheese and butter, two of the most popular bagel toppings, are high in fat and empty calories. However, there are many other toppings like low-fat cheese, low-fat peanut butter, or fresh fruit that add flavor without increasing the fat and sugar consumed.
Reading nutritional information listed helps when trying to select healthy bagels. Part of living a healthy lifestyle means being aware of exactly what one is consuming. The increasing demand for more nutritional varieties has led to a greater selection being available, whether from supermarkets, bakeries or online stores.
When it comes to nutritional content, this depends largely on the type of bagel. The most standard type consists of flour, yeast, salt, water and sugar. However, the popularity of these delicious ring shaped products has resulted in a proliferation of varieties. Some of these are very unhealthy whilst others are nutritious enough to form part of a balanced diet.
The ingredients used vary from wholegrain and sough dough to poppy seed and cinnamon raisin with chocolate chips. There are also ones made solely with organic ingredients, containing no sugar or sodium. High protein varieties are available, made with whey isolate which is rich in essential amino acids. Even gluten free varieties are available for those who are gluten intolerant.
Switching to a whole grain bagel is an obvious choice. Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber which keeps the digestive system running smoothly. It digests slowly, making one feel full for a longer period and giving plenty of energy. Grains also contain far more nutrients like minerals and vitamins than refined flour. For example, a multigrain bagel may contain flax seeds, a source of essential Omega 3 fats and sunflower seeds, a source of magnesium, selenium and vitamin E.
Checking the ingredients found in a bagel is important in order to make the right choice. Even those made with whole grains can still contain other harmful ingredients. For example, many of them contain far too much sugar and salt. Sugar is a known cause of many health problems and too much salt is not good for those with high blood pressure.
Another factor to consider is the size of the bagel. Many suppliers are offering smaller sized products today as the bigger ones are high in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are necessary to the body as they are broken down into glucose for fuel. However, carbohydrates in refined flour are metabolized quickly, making one want to eat more frequently. A problem arises when too many carbohydrates are consumed as the body stores them as fat.
The toppings chosen to eat with a bagel also play a significant role in its effect on health. Cream cheese and butter, two of the most popular bagel toppings, are high in fat and empty calories. However, there are many other toppings like low-fat cheese, low-fat peanut butter, or fresh fruit that add flavor without increasing the fat and sugar consumed.
Reading nutritional information listed helps when trying to select healthy bagels. Part of living a healthy lifestyle means being aware of exactly what one is consuming. The increasing demand for more nutritional varieties has led to a greater selection being available, whether from supermarkets, bakeries or online stores.
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