Bagels get a bad rap for having too many carbs.
But can they be eaten daily as part of a healthy diet?
Bagels have a long history.
EatingWell
The Jewish people circumvented the law by boiling the bread first.
According to theMuseum of the Jewish People, the shape of the bagel represented Jewish continuity.
After Jewish immigrants brought bagels to the U.S., the Polish-American baker Harry Lender made the doughy delights popular.
But should bagels be shunned?
Let’s take a look at what their potential health benefits are.
Are Bagels Healthy?
You Might Feel More Energized
Bagels get a lot of flack because of their carb content.
However, your body and brain depend on carbohydrates as theprimary fuel source to energize your body.
The average plain medium bagel provides about 56 grams of carbs.
With that said, while all carbs offer energy,not all carbs are created equal.
Many bagels are made fromrefined flour, which your body digests quickly, spiking blood sugar.
Whole-grain bagels provide more fiber-rich complex carbohydrates, which take longer to digest and promote more stable blood sugars.
A deficiency in B vitamins can throw off your body’s metabolism.
A medium bagel is a good source of vitamin B1 (thiamin) and vitamin B3 (niacin).
TheAmerican Heart Associationrecommends eating at least three servings of whole grains daily.
One medium whole-wheat bagel has 4 grams of fiber, per theUSDA.
Fiberprovides a bevy of benefits, including improved cholesterol and blood pressure.
You Might Be Fuller for Longer
This all depends on the key in of bagel you choose.
If it’s whole grain, you may notice that you stay fuller for longer.
Protein and healthy fats help you stay full between meals.
It can also be helpful to add veggies like cucumber, tomato or onion for vitamins and minerals."
“Some bagels contain higher levels of sodium to preserve them and keep them fresh,” says Kolesa.
So their nutritional value will vary from bagel to bagel, depending on punch in and size.
The best types of bagels to eat are the ones you enjoy and help you reach your health goals.
Here are a few ideas for eating bagels that offer the most nutrition perks.
Enjoying a bagel every morning is fine if you watch your portion size.
More often, opt for bagels with higher fiber and heart-healthy ingredients such as seeds, fruit or oats.
Be mindful of portion sizes, since bagels can be large.
Go for thisBagel Gone Bananas.
