Many people love eating bagels and there is no harm in this, provided healthy bagels are selected. Unfortunately, not many people realize just how many calories they are consuming when they eat a large bagel made with refined flour and sugar and topped with cream cheese or bacon and egg. This is not only causes weight problems but may other health problems like heart disease as well. Fortunately, as more people become aware of this, healthier options are becoming readily available.
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.
A bagel made with whole grain contains fiber that helps to stimulate the digestive process. The fiber digests slowly, giving a feeling of being full for longer and providing energy. A wholewheat mini bagel containing about 120 calories and 1g of fat is perfect for this purpose. There are also more nutrients contained in wholewheat and multigrain products. Multigrain varieties often contain flax seeds containing essential Omega 3 fats and sunflower seeds with 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.
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.
The selection of toppings is also important when considering health. Those that are high in saturated fat, like butter and cream cheese should be avoided. Sugary toppings also need to be avoided. There are many other toppings like fresh fruit, low-fat peanut butter and low-fat cream cheese that are acceptable.
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.
A bagel made with whole grain contains fiber that helps to stimulate the digestive process. The fiber digests slowly, giving a feeling of being full for longer and providing energy. A wholewheat mini bagel containing about 120 calories and 1g of fat is perfect for this purpose. There are also more nutrients contained in wholewheat and multigrain products. Multigrain varieties often contain flax seeds containing essential Omega 3 fats and sunflower seeds with 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.
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.
The selection of toppings is also important when considering health. Those that are high in saturated fat, like butter and cream cheese should be avoided. Sugary toppings also need to be avoided. There are many other toppings like fresh fruit, low-fat peanut butter and low-fat cream cheese that are acceptable.
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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