Bagels and Refined Carbs: The Myth

Contrary to popular belief, bagels are NOT good for you any way you slice it (pun not intended). They score as one of the highest foods on the Glycemic Index, spiking blood sugar and increasing your insulin output which is directly associated with an increase in fat storage. Bagels can also hit
highs for sodium, containing up to 1,000 mg per serving-over 40 percent of the recommended amount for the entire day (Food/Fitness Magazine Jan 2006).

High-gluten flour, the main ingredient of the bagel, is low in nutritional
value, lacking fiber, protein, and other vital nutrients. Highly processed, 1 cup of high-gluten flour (white flour) contains over 500 calories!!! In addition, white flour is processed by the body in the same manner as sugar, causing a "high" followed by a crash that is more properly defined as hypoglycemia. White rice, pastas, muffins and bagels all fall into this category as they are all considered refined carbohydrates. Most muffins however, have the added bonus of saturated fat as well as the high calories and low nutritional value.

"Refined, white carbs are not OK, despite what you might have been told
about their fat-free properties," warns Hall. "Oh, and one bagel is roughly equal to six slices of white bread. Thinking about the innocent muffin? Think again. 600-900 calories on the average per muffin, with almost no
nutritional value."

Rick Hall, PhD. Professor of Nutritional Sciences ASU

  • "These "pick-me-up" convenient snack foods (mentioned above) are high in refined carbohydrates, which rob the body of enzymes, minerals and vitamins, especially B vitamins. B vitamins are essential for proper brain and nervous system function. A deficiency in B vitamins includes symptoms like depression, anxiety, panic attacks, heart palpitations, and muscle weakness and tenderness, to name a few."
Lori Lipinski Certified Nutritional Consultant
  • If you're going with a bagel, look for "whole wheat flour" on the label. "Enriched wheat flour" is not the same, and does not provide the same nutritional benefits as whole wheat flour. Better breads (as opposed to white or fake wheat) include pumpernickel and Rye-both are higher in fiber and breads. Better choices for carbs include brown rice, whole wheat pasta, yams, dense (non sugar) oats, and fresh fruits.
Please refer to the following articles for more information and some very insightful reading:
Coley Stickels

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