It is difficult to make a blanket statement that bagels are bad for your health. It depends largely on the type and size of bagel selected as well as the toppings eaten with it. There are many healthy bagels available today due to an increasing demand for them. These healthier varieties can be eaten without guilt as part of a balanced diet.
These ring shaped baked goods are usually made with ingredients like flour, water, a raising agent, sugar and salt. However, their popularity has lead to many different varieties being offered, some of which are extremely unhealthy. A plain whole grain bagel is obviously much better for your health than a large cinnamon and raisin one with chocolate chips added.
The health benefits of a large cinnamon and raisin bagel with chocolate chips cannot compared with a small plain, whole grain one. Some suppliers offer ones made with completely organic products, using only ingredients like organic whole spelt flour, filtered water, sea salt and adding no sweeteners or sodium. There are even high protein and gluten free varieties available.
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.
However, even if a bagel is made with whole grains, a look at the other ingredients can reveal more health traps. It is very likely to have added sugar, such as high fructose corn syrup. Sugar is a known cause of many lifestyle illnesses and should be avoided. The sodium content is often high too.
The size of the bagel also makes a difference. Gourmet varieties sold in bakeries are often large and covered with toppings full of fat and sugar. They contain a large quantity of carbohydrates and as they are made from refined flour this converts quickly into glucose. The fact that they are quickly metabolized means one soon feels hungry again and want to eat more. Eating too many carbohydrates results in the body storing them as fat.
Choosing of toppings to eat with a bagel is another factor contributing to how bad or good it is for your health. Toppings laden in saturated fats and sugar are obviously detrimental. There are plenty of healthier toppings that can be chosen however, including fresh fruit and low fat cheeses.
In selecting healthy bagels, it is important to know what ingredients have gone into making them. This is why eating those bought from a bakery can be tricky. Supermarkets and online stores selling these items have to list ingredients on packaging. Reading these ingredient lists offers one the option of selecting those with the highest nutritional content.
These ring shaped baked goods are usually made with ingredients like flour, water, a raising agent, sugar and salt. However, their popularity has lead to many different varieties being offered, some of which are extremely unhealthy. A plain whole grain bagel is obviously much better for your health than a large cinnamon and raisin one with chocolate chips added.
The health benefits of a large cinnamon and raisin bagel with chocolate chips cannot compared with a small plain, whole grain one. Some suppliers offer ones made with completely organic products, using only ingredients like organic whole spelt flour, filtered water, sea salt and adding no sweeteners or sodium. There are even high protein and gluten free varieties available.
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.
However, even if a bagel is made with whole grains, a look at the other ingredients can reveal more health traps. It is very likely to have added sugar, such as high fructose corn syrup. Sugar is a known cause of many lifestyle illnesses and should be avoided. The sodium content is often high too.
The size of the bagel also makes a difference. Gourmet varieties sold in bakeries are often large and covered with toppings full of fat and sugar. They contain a large quantity of carbohydrates and as they are made from refined flour this converts quickly into glucose. The fact that they are quickly metabolized means one soon feels hungry again and want to eat more. Eating too many carbohydrates results in the body storing them as fat.
Choosing of toppings to eat with a bagel is another factor contributing to how bad or good it is for your health. Toppings laden in saturated fats and sugar are obviously detrimental. There are plenty of healthier toppings that can be chosen however, including fresh fruit and low fat cheeses.
In selecting healthy bagels, it is important to know what ingredients have gone into making them. This is why eating those bought from a bakery can be tricky. Supermarkets and online stores selling these items have to list ingredients on packaging. Reading these ingredient lists offers one the option of selecting those with the highest nutritional content.
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