In particular, oats are high in fiber and beneficial nutrients, including magnesium, vitamin B1 (thiamine), iron, and zinc. Overall when you consider the nutritional value provided,pita bread is healthyto consume. Besides health conditions that may contribute, the only thing that matters is a simple math equation: making sure that the calories you eat are less than the calories your body burns each day will lead to weight loss. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. It is high in fiber and has other health benefits. Pita bread is high in fiber content. It also has a low glycemic load, so its easy on the blood sugar, according to Richards. Its good for gut health and is said to have a slow digestion transit time, which means you will feel full longer. "Pita bread isn't inherently healthier than other types of bread," Lal explains. Its pretty obvious that a lathered-up plain bagel is better for your cheat day, but how about rye or multigrain? Arnold Whole Grains 12 Grain Bread ($4.24. Bottom line: Enjoy these bread types in the company of a more nutrient-dense eating plan. And a pita by itself can be rather healthy, with some caveats. Pita is often a healthier alternative to regular bread because it is low in fat and calories and is high in fiber. Add the 1 cups warm water and maple syrup and mix well with your hands until the dough starts to come together. It can be made from white or whole-wheat flour, which changes the nutritional profile of the pita. When listing ingredients, manufacturers put them in order from the greatest quantity to the smallest quantity. It also boasts a whopping 6g of fiber, which helps promote fullness and aid your digestion. It has more nutritional value than many other forms of bread. Since sprouting increases grains fiber content, sprouted rye is higher in fiber and healthier than non-sprouted rye (36). And generally, you want to stay under 24 grams (about 6 teaspoons) of sugar each day. Place the flour, dry active yeast, and sea salt into a large mixing bowl. Bread that is made solely of white flour or enriched white flour doesn't have any fiber, an important nutrient for heart and digestive health. If you do happen to like bread such as Ezekiel, youre going to also enjoy a variety that boasts lower sodium, higher protein and more fiber than most other breads on the market, Mowrer told HuffPost. It is high in fiber, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Bread made from refined flour has fewer nutrients and should be eaten in moderation. "Pita bread is often made with flour, including white and whole wheat," Lal says. All rights reserved. What is the difference between rye and pumpernickel bread? 10 Healthy Ways to Replace Conventional Wheat Bread, Why Ezekiel Bread Is the Healthiest Bread You Can Eat, The 14 Best Gluten-Free Bread Brands According to Dietitians, 7 Great Reasons to Add Sprouted Grain Bread to Your Diet, How Healthy Is Sourdough? Although pita bread seems healthy, you need to consider a few things before including pita in your diet. Simple wheat bread tricks many into thinking it is equal to 100% whole wheat, but this is not the case, she said. Last medically reviewed on December 14, 2022. Pita bread is a healthier option than regular bread due to its fiber and protein content. Also, never assume that a specialty bread is gluten-free, she advises. Whole-wheat pitas offer more fiber per serving -- 4.7 grams per large pita, compared to 3.8 grams per serving of wheat bread. With this in mind, take careful note of what type of wheat is listed first. The 9 Best and Worst Breads, According to Dietitians, Middle Eastern Scramble Bowl with Pita Chips, United States Department of Agriculture: "All About the Grains Group", Mayo Clinic: "Make the switch to whole grains", Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: "Fiber", Journal of Chiropractic Medicine: "Health Benefits of Dietary Whole Grains: An Umbrella Review of Meta-analyses". It's probably a loaf of sprouted bread. Within the explanations are some interesting tidbits and tips on purchasing bread. Pitas, or pittas, are the most popular type of bread served in Greek and Middle-Eastern countries like Lebanon and Syria. The white pita is a lot like plain white sandwich bread nutritionally, Richards noted. The net caloric value is estimated at 13.5 grams. Dozens of varieties of bread line store shelves and fill cookbooks, though some are more nutrient-dense than others. The fiber in oats, known as beta-glucan, may help lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar, and decrease high blood pressure (19, 20, 21, 22). But its good to have a variety of grains.. Similarly to the whole-grain pita, however, these can have more calories than a slice of bread, so think about splitting it in half, Kostro Miller said. When it comes to rye bread, it is made with flour that comes from rye grains. Add lukewarm water to the bowl of a stand mixer, and add the yeast and sugar, stirring until they are completely dissolved. Rye contains dietary fiber and natural bioactive chemicals that can benefit the microbiome, Li explained. However, most conventional wheat bread is unhealthy. Varieties with the highest fiber content will have the most whole grains. Naturally, you may wonder what kind of bread is healthiest. High intake of added sugar has been linked to chronic inflammation that may lead to illnesses, including heart disease (42). This creates a higher-protein bread, she said. But with the other nutritional value packed in the pita bread, the high carbs are not a problem. In fact, one study in 6,000 postmenopausal women suggested that those who regularly ate flax seeds had an 18% lower chance of developing breast cancer compared to those who did not eat them (27). And what does whole grain even mean? To determine if we're eating healthy pita bread, we need to closely examine the ingredients. This bread is at the bottom of the list because it really offers little in the way of vitamins and minerals, she said. Flatbread can be just as healthier and nutritious as regular bread. Many wonder whether pita is gluten-safe. 2) Place one slice of bread on a lightly floured surface. Whole grains may even help with weight maintenance and inflammation. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about pita bread. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Pita bread made with whole-wheat flour offers more nutrients than pita made with white flour. If you're in the market for nutritious bread, whole-grain is the way to go. And there is tremendous value packed into that fact. When it comes to calories, pita bread consists of 78 calories in one ounce of pita bread. According to Dr. William Li, author of Eat to Beat Disease, research shows whole-grain intake is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Naan often contains these ingredients as well as yogurt, milk, and ghee, which makes it higher in fat and more calorific. So its difficult to pick one from these two types, but for diabetes patients, pita bread is the winner since it contains low sugar it. Flatbread is considered an alternative to yeast-raised bread and some diets accommodate a flatbread better than regular bread. Sourdough may also be easier to digest than other breads. However, she would limit to 50% of intake with other whole-grain/sprouted-grain breads.. Oat bread is typically made from a combination of oats, whole-wheat flour, yeast, water, and salt. Pita bread can be a staple option in your low-carb diet as long as you choose wisely. As such, theyre more filling than more refined breads (6). People with celiac or gluten sensitivities should avoid eating pita bread. It plays a vital role in supplying oxygen to the body. The selenium and magnesium in the pita bread act as anantioxidantwhich prevents any cell damage. One of the healthiest breads to throw into your grocery cart is also a bit of an acquired taste, according to registered dietitian, nutritionist and certified diabetes educator Jana Mowrer. But while its low in fat, its also lower in protein and higher in sodium levels, according to Mowrer. TofuBud Tips. Gluten-free bread manufacturers also often add sugar, fat and salt to their products to make them taste better, Dr. Lee said. Pita bread consumption can lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes. You may be hungry all the time for several reasons, including diet, stress, or medical conditions. 4. Read on to learn which bread is best and which to leave at the store. Pita bread contains a lower carb count than most other types of bread on the market. If you eat a wrap, you will have 3.9 g. of fat and 30.2 g. of carbohydrates. The bran and germ also contain protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds, while the endosperm is mostly starch (13). 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. 1. Take bread, super-size it with the good stuff (butter and eggs) and you get brioche, a bread that is just screaming to be toasted, dunked in even more egg and fried on the griddle in even more butter. Thousands of people suffering from erratic blood sugar . Ryes ability to lower your bodys insulin response is likely due to its high soluble fiber content. Overall, pita bread is a healthier option than regular bread and can help you maintain a nutritious diet. Lab studies of nutrients in whole grain can help protect stem cells needed to regenerate our organs, and they can reduce the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors., Whereas whole-grain bread contains the entire kernel of wheat, Whole wheat is a great option, explained Brianne Bell, a registered dietitian and operator of the, . Try this today: When youre faced with dozens of options at the store, labels such as multi-grain, whole grain, and whole wheat can be confusing. It also contains fewer carbohydrates and calories than regular bread, making it a healthier choice. And because its fermented, its actually. But most of the packaged ones have a lot of preservatives and texture modifiers that are only there for the product shelf life, and not adding nutrition., If that werent enough, Richards pointed out that unlike the corn tortilla, the flour tortilla gets moved closer to the bottom of the list because it offers the same low nutritional value, but also gluten which can wreak havoc on your gut and overall health., According to Bell, this staple of so many childhood lunches is generally low in fiber and flavor and has a lot of preservatives and other ingredients that are only used for shelf life and texture of the bread but dont add any nutrition.. Pita bread is a type of flatbread baked from wheat flour, most commonly consumed in middle eastern countries. Nevertheless, eating flax bread and other foods with flax seeds may have additional benefits, such as improved digestive health (28). One slice (26 grams) of Barely Bread 100% Grain-Free bread gives you (39): Some gluten-free breads may be high in sugar and use refined flours that are high in starch. Like many foods, it depends on the ingredients. Breads made from sprouted whole grains are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and may have less of an impact on blood sugar than other breads. A few good options include sourdough, rye, flax, and oat breads. Like pita bread, naan is a flatbread; but unlike pita bread, it contains eggs and yogurt. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Pumpernickel bread, like rye bread, is often made with rye flour, which can be refined, whole or a mixture of both. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. But its good to have a variety of grains., Amanda A. Kostro Miller, a registered dietitian and board adviser of. Additionally, it is a good source of protein and is a complex carbohydrate, meaning it is slowly digested and can provide long-lasting energy. It's also a great source of whole grains when made from whole-wheat flour.". This bread is at the bottom of the list because it really offers little in the way of vitamins and minerals, she said. Top 5 Contact Lens Technologies That Changed the Industry. If the top of the list represents all of the bread you should consider nutritionally, the rest of this list represents the losers. However, this doesnt mean that sourdough is gluten-free. Sourdough bread is made through fermentation, using the yeast naturally present in flour. Dam Good Whole Wheat English Muffins ($19.50 for a 3-pack. Dave's Killer Bread Organic Righteous Rye Bread ($14.99. Pita bread that is made from whole-grain or whole-wheat flour has more fiber and may be considered healthier. Pumpernickel bread is also more sweetened than regular rye breads due to the long slow baking over low heat. Read It Before You Eat It: Taking You from Label to Table, Is There a Better Bread? And in part because gluten-free breads tend to contain more water, fat . But that doesn't mean you need to be afraid of bread, Taub-Dix says. This tells you immediately that it has been processed and its made from flour that will spike your glucose and create inflammation, she said. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. However, just because a bread has oats or oatmeal on its label doesnt mean that it contains a high amount of oats. Although these breads are often the least nutritious by themselves, they can still be part of a balanced diet. Enriched or fortified breads can help you get the nutrients and vitamins present in whole grains while avoiding the whole-grain flavor and texture. Whats more, this process breaks down some of the starch in grains and decreases carb content. Sprouting has been shown to increase the amount and availability of certain nutrients (1). As you may have realized by now, we are looking for whole grain wherever we can find it. White bread contains refined wheat flour and refined sugar, which cause inflammation in the body and contribute to weight gain. Food For Life Flourless Sprouted Grain Bread ($5.99. "Sugar is also the master of disguise," she says. We've heard loads about the health benefits of this Mediterranean oil, but some vegans refuse to use it - find out if olive oil is vegan. Entire civilizations ate them daily, and they thrived on them. A large pita weighs 60 grams and contains 165 calories. With seemingly endless shapes, flavors and types, each promising its own health benefits, deciphering which loaf to toss in your cart can be draining. Here are our top 7 choices for wholesome, nutrient-dense breads. Richards broke down the specifics of rye: Rye bread is made from a cereal grain that is difficult to separate the germ and bran from the endosperm. Here are the most significant benefits of eating this delicious, filling flatbread. Is It Healthier Than Other Types of Bread? While we don't think you should remove any food group from your diet altogether, some pita bread is healthier than others -the nutrition all depends on the quality of the whole-grain pita bread ingredients. 4 Reasons for Pressing Tofu: How to Make Tofu Taste Good, Is Olive Oil Vegan: A Complete Guide to This Heart-Healthy Oil. Is Pre Workout Better Than Energy Drinks. A review of 28 studies found that eating 3 grams or more of oat beta-glucan per day significantly decreased LDL (bad) and total cholesterol levels compared to not eating oats (20). Video of the Day Vitamin Content This way, you can control the ingredients. If you have blood pressure, then pita bread is the right option as it contains a low sodium level. Rye bread is low in fat and cholesterol and is also high in magnesium, selenium, and thiamine. The higher fiber and protein content in these products may help fill you up more than other breads in a small portion size (40). The light crust adds to the indulgent experience. Be sure to look for flax breads made with minimal ingredients, such as whole-wheat and/or sprouted whole-grain flours, yeast, water, salt, and flax seeds. Bread, pita, white, unenriched and Bread, wheat, toasted types were used in this article. That said, you'll want to avoid bread that's labeled "diet" or "sugar-free," because they often contain artificial sweeteners. Bichore is slightly thicker and less flaky than a regular loaf of bread and has a more nutty flavor. This is your celebratory brunch or barbecue bread, not the kind that you should incorporate into your daily sandwich-making. The calories in pita bread can vary greatly depending on the ingredients and serving size. Eating foods with soluble fiber helps slow your digestion of carbs, which decreases insulin release and reduces blood sugar spikes (34, 35). Easiest way to poop in the next 24 hours! 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Ancient Grains Bread ($3.99. "But, it has a few advantages. Bread is a staple food for most people. And now we come to another confounding bread variety, the seemingly ubiquitous multigrain. Pita bread also contains protein and minerals that benefit your health. It's also a great source of whole grains when made from whole-wheat flour." As with all bread, you'll want to check for a gluten-free label on the packaging if you have gluten sensitivities or gluten intolerance. While whole wheat options tend to be a little higher in calories, they're also higher in fiber, taking longer for your stomach to digest and keeping you full for longer. Pita bread is low-carb and fibre-rich bread option for diabetics. Make sure you buy pure whole wheat pit bread as it is the healthiest among all kinds of pita bread. Bread Alone Organic Whole Wheat Sourdough ($6.99, Amazon.com). As you likely already guessed, flour tortillas irresistibility is commensurate with plenty of health risks. Eating a pita won't make anyone gain weight, just like other foods won't, as long you're keeping overall calories in mind. Mowrer explained that this bread is typically lower in fiber as well as lower in iron and protein. While we don't think you should remove any food group from your diet altogether, some pita bread is healthier than others -. In addition, some people may need to reduce their carb intake and thus limit bread consumption, such as those with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, as well as anyone on a low-carb diet (43). But labels that say "made with whole grains" don't necessarily mean you're getting only whole-grain flour. Check the ingredients, Bell said. This provides those with celiac disease or [those] who choose to remove gluten from their diet for health reasons a great source of carbs without inflammatory gluten., And if youre looking to power your week with a smart carb choice, Mowrer liked this option. Multigrain bread just may not contain as much fiber or nutrients as whole-grain varieties, Taub-Dix says. Pita pockets are a great alternative to bread, as they tend to be much healthier. Of course it is as it provides several beneficial nutrients and helps reduce the risk to many health problems. The calcium content in the pita bread helps in stronger bones and prevents any bone disease. Pita bread consists of a lot of health benefits. Pita bread helps in better digestion and lowers the chances of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The study also found that the cholesterol-lowering effects of beta-glucan in oats were greater in people with higher baseline cholesterol levels (20). The American Heart Association recommends limiting your added sugar intake to less than 9 teaspoons (36 grams) per day for men and less than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day for women (41). Wraps also contain more fat and carbohydrates. So among these two types of bread, pita bread is the healthier. The tortilla has 26 grams of carbs while the tortilla has 18 . The best way to pick a healthy pita bread is to look at the ingredients listed on the nutrition label. It has a mild, lightly sweet taste, similar to other wheat-based bread. Since the calories contained in pita flatbread are relatively low, you'd need to eat many pitas or a lot of other food each day to have them contribute to weight gain. Pita bread is made with some healthy ingredients like whole wheat, yeast, olive oil, salt, and sugar. Their shape and texture vary by region, with the Middle-Eastern types containing a pocket, and the denser and thicker Mediterranean styles not. A whole-wheat pita bread consists of a lot of minerals for your body. Whole grains are a rich source of dietary fiber and are associated with health benefits relating to weight management, digestive issues, diabetes and heart disease, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This is a detailed article about almonds and their health benefits. For a complete meal, serve pita bread with falafel and hummus. Add grains like barley to vegetable soup, and include bulgar wheat in casseroles. Sourdough is made through a fermentation process that relies on naturally occurring yeast and bacteria to make the bread rise (8). So, pumpernickel is one bread to consider if you are also looking to add anti-inflammatory properties to your daily intake. This means it is refined, but retains a lot of its nutrients, unlike refined wheat bread and other refined breads.. Whole Grains Council: "What are the Health Benefits? We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Soluble fiber is a non-digestible carbohydrate that dissolves in water and becomes gel-like in your gut. Sprouted grains may also have more available nutrients than mature grains, including folate, zinc, iron, vitamin C and magnesium, according to Harvard Health Publishing. It all comes down to what's written on the packaging. "Pita bread is a common staple in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean diets," says registered dietitian Supriya Lal, RD. If you search out whole grain, youre getting a super bread that not only tastes great but is great for you. Pita bread and traditional bread loaves contain almost identical ingredients and are therefore very comparable in nutrition. Just as aforesaid, pita is an ideal treat for diabetics due to its lower caloric value and sugar content. Here are the 14 best gluten-free flours. Pita bread is both healthy and unhealthy in terms of its nutritional value. the melted butter. 5 days ago eatingwell.com Show details . Brioche contains a high amount of carbs and fat, making it a less than ideal bread, Richards cautioned. And what does whole grain even mean? The iron present in the pita bread helps in the production of red blood cells. The fermentation process breaks down some of the carbohydrates and proteins found in grains, including gluten (8). Also, look at the amount of fiber in the bread. "It doesn't have to be spelled 'sugar' it could come in the form of molasses, cane juice and high-fructose corn syrup. Side-by-side, bread contains a little more fiber and slightly fewer carbs than a pita, making it a somewhat more nutritious option. A 4-inch whole-grain pita has a total of about 15.5 grams of carbohydrate. One slice (56 grams) of whole-wheat sourdough gives (12): Sourdough bread is made through a fermentation process that boosts its digestibility, improves the availability of certain nutrients, and lowers its blood sugar effects. Is pita better than regular bread? These options are usually made with refined flours, which means they won't be too high in nutrients like fiber, iron and B vitamins. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Pita bread is also high in carbohydrates which give you more energy. They are high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, selenium, and iron. However, these types of loaves might not have as much fiber and protein two nutrients that keep you fuller for longer as whole-grain bread. We have a tie at the top with whole-grain and whole-wheat bread, both of which promise that youre getting all of the nutrients of the wheat grain as they use the whole kernel: the bran, germ and endosperm. Here are 14 of the healthiest leafy green vegetables you. Based on the average 2000 calorie/day diet, pita bread will barely make a dent. It is much more nutrient-dense than most commercial breads on the market. Laminating Croissants results in a flaky and airy texture that is unique to Croissants. It's said to be more nutritious than regular bread. Sometimes, bread packaging can list multigrain (more on that below), which isn't the same as whole grain. Dave's Killer Bread Organic 21 Whole Grains and Seeds ($19.95 per 2-pack. The deciding factor is what you pair them with. Some oat breads only have a small amount of oats and are mostly made of refined flours, added sugars, and oils. While a pita might look unleavened, it always contains yeast. Sourdough bread is amazing for breadcrumbs since it has more flavor, is easier to digest, and is healthier compared to regular bread. Whole grains keep the entire grain intact, including the germ, endosperm, and bran. Traditionally, it's made with just flour and water. Pita bread is also a good filler for your appetite and makes you feel full for a long time, reducing the chance of munching frequently. Pita bread and traditional bread loaves contain almost identical ingredients and are therefore very comparable in nutrition. 1 and another judge ranked it No. One slice (49 grams) of whole-grain oatmeal bread contains (23): Oat bread made from oats and whole-grain flour boasts the fiber beta-glucan, which may help lower cholesterol and has been linked to a number of health benefits.