Many of us love bagels for breakfast, whether they are served with cream cheese, butter, or avocado and smoked salmon. Have you ever considered the nutritional value of Las Vegas Bagels?
Bagels are often seen as carb-heavy treats, but they can also be part of a healthy diet if consumed with mindfulness.
This article will explore the nutritional benefits of bagels and give tips on how you can make them healthier, without sacrificing their taste.
Bagels: The Basic Nutritional Facts
The dough is made of simple ingredients such as flour, water, and yeast. They are then combined with sugar, salt, and yeast to form the bagels. Bagels get their chewy texture after being shaped into rings and boiled prior to baking.
The nutritional value of a bagel can vary depending on its type and toppings. But in general, you’ll get the following:
- Calories: A bagel typically contains 250-300 calories. This number may increase depending on what toppings you select, such as cream cheese or butter.
- Carbohydrates: A typical bagel contains around 50-60 grams of carbohydrates. This gives you energy, but it is important to balance your carb intake by adding protein and fiber.
- A bagel contains a small amount (usually 9 grams) of protein. The body needs protein to repair muscles and function properly.
- Fat: Bagels are generally low in fat unless they’re topped with spreads high in fat. A plain bagel has typically 1-2 grams of fat.
- Fiber Standard bagels do not contain much fiber. Whole wheat bagels and whole grain bread can be a great source of fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health, as it helps you stay fuller longer.
Best bagels in Las Vegas are surprisingly nutritious, especially when you choose the right ingredients and toppings. Here are some of the benefits of including a bagel in your diet.
1. An Easy Source Of Energy
Bagels are an excellent source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy. Bagels are a great option for those who need a quick boost of energy before working out or want to get a good start in the day.
Bagel carbs are slowly digested, providing you with sustained energy all day. Combining a bagel and toppings rich in protein, such as eggs or nut butter, can help balance energy release.
2. An Excellent Source of B Vitamins
Bagels are rich in B vitamins such as folic acid, niacin, and thiamine, especially when made from enriched flour.
These vitamins are essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism, supporting your nervous system, and producing red blood cells.
Folic acid is especially important for women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, as it prevents neural tube defects.
3. Suitable for a High-Fiber Diet
Regular bagels have a low fiber content. However, whole wheat and multigrain varieties contain a greater amount.
It is essential for digestion. Fiber helps to regulate bowel movements and can prevent constipation. This helps you feel fuller longer and can reduce cravings.
You can get more fiber by switching to whole-wheat or adding flaxseeds or chia seeds.
4. A Adaptable Foundation for Healthful Toppings
The nutritional value of a bagel can be easily increased by choosing the right toppings. By pairing a bagel, for example, with healthy choices like tomatoes, avocados, or lean protein sources like turkey or salmon, you can create a meal that is rich in vitamins, healthy fats, and proteins.
Consider topping your bagel, if you’d like to increase the fiber content, with spinach or kale.
Make your bagels healthier
Bagels are a great source of nutrition, but there are simple ways to make them even better. Here are some simple tips and swaps to remember when ordering or preparing bagels.
Choose whole-grain or whole-wheat bagels
Traditional bagels are typically made from refined white flour, which is devoid of fiber and other important nutrients.
Whole-grain or whole-wheat bagel adds fiber, which helps digestion and keeps you feeling fuller longer.
Whole-grain bagels have a lower Glycemic Index, which means they will have less of an impact on your blood sugar.
Beware of Toppings
Choose healthy toppings to enhance the health benefits of your bagel.
Spread your bagel with healthier options rather than slathering it in sugary spreads such as jam or butter.
Avocados, hummus, or nut butters (like almond butter or peanut butter) are rich in healthy fats and protein. For a tasty twist, try smoked salmon and lean turkey breast.
Include Vegetables
Add vegetables to your bagel to get vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Add sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach, or arugula to your bagel for a nutrient-rich boost.
This will not only enhance the taste but also make your bagel healthier and more filling.
Control Portion size
Bagels are a great addition to a healthy diet, but their portions may be too large for one meal. If you want to reduce your carbs or calories, consider buying a half bagel. The other half can be saved for later.
Skip Sugary Add-Ins
Some bagels are topped with sweet ingredients, such as cream cheese and sweet spreads. These options are delicious but can add unnecessary sugar and calories.
Choose plain or reduced-fat cream cheese or healthier spreads such as Greek yogurt or nut butter, which contain healthy fats and protein without any added sugar.
Conclusion
Bagels are a great addition to a balanced, healthy diet, particularly when they’re made with whole grain and topped with nutritious toppings.
They are high in carbohydrates and can be a source of energy for a long time.
You can have a tasty, satisfying bagel while also being healthy by making wise choices regarding portion sizes and toppings.
Next time you grab a bagel to eat, consider how you can make this delicious, simple food healthier.
We are committed to providing you with the healthiest and freshest bagels without compromising flavor.
Next time you want a bagel and are in the mood, come to Abel’s Bagels for a delicious treat that will support your health. You can transform your bagel into a healthy, tasty meal by adding some creativity.