Bagels’ origin can be dated as far back as the 17th century to Polish bakers while it was brought into the United States in the 19th century by Jewish immigrants.
The dough is loved and enjoyed worldwide, especially for those looking to gain lots of carbohydrates.
The basic ingredients used in making Bagels include wheat flour, yeast, water, salt, and a sweetener like malt syrup, honey, or sugar; other variants may include more ingredients.
Health Benefits of Bagels and Its Pitfalls
If you love bagels and [you] consume them regularly for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, here are some of the benefits and pitfalls you should keep in mind.
Bagels May Help Improve Your Heart Health
Whole wheat, whole grains, or multigrain bagels are rich in fibre which provides a lot of benefits to the heart.
A study conducted in 2022 by BMC Medicine shows that consuming at least a serving of whole grains daily resulted in a 17% lower risk of having cardiovascular diseases compared to those who just consume a serving per month.
Thus, Bagels reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases as most varieties are high in fibre which improves bad cholesterol levels.
Bagels are High In Carbohydrates
Some persons have a love-hate feeling for bagels because of their high carbohydrate content. For you, this may be good or bad depending on your carbohydrate needs.
Carbohydrate provides the energy the body needs to function, so if you need a lot of energy, taking bagels often may not be bad for you.
Also, it is worth noting that most bagels are made with refined flour which digests very fast and may lead to a spike in blood sugar, however, fibre-rich carbohydrates such as those gotten from wholegrain bagels digest slowly and keep your blood sugar stable.
Bagels Are a Good Source of Vitamins
Just as bagels are a good source of carbs, they can also be a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, calcium, vitamin B1, vitamin B3, and proteins.
Most of the vitamins obtainable from bagels come from the toppings used and the quality of the flour used in baking it, therefore, it is important to choose your bagel toppings and ingredients wisely.
Bagels May Contain a High Amount of Salt
Some bagels may be packed with salt to help preserve and keep them fresh, but when consumed, they can dangerously go above your sodium limits.
Salt is added to meals for taste, but when added in high amounts, it can be dangerous, especially for those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular diseases and conditions.
Bottom Line
Bagels can be a great source of carbohydrates, vitamins, protein, and fibre when consumed in moderation.
The ingredients of which a bagel is made go a long way in determining the benefits or danger that lie therein; thus, it is important to always be on the lookout for the ingredients your favourite bagel is made of, with those made of whole wheat/grain been the most recommended.
To help keep watch of your consumption of bagels as a bagel lover, mini-sized, small, or thin bagels consumed once daily may be your best bet as they help you take advantage of all the nutritional benefits while not exceeding the bounds of moderation.
Also, don’t forget to keep an eye on your bagel toppings. High-fibre toppings including seeds, fruits, and oats are more recommended than those topped with loads of cheese, chocolates, or cinnamon sugar which are high in saturated fat.
Bagel lovers in the United States are recommended to try out this new bagel shop in Cedar Park TX by Nervous Charlie for those residing or planning to visit Texas.
I had no idea that bagels could give your body enough vitamins and nutrients that you need for your daily energy! I have a friend who wants to try different ways to lose weight starting next year. I should talk to him about finding a local store that can give him constant supply of bagels in the future.