is pita bread healthier than regular bread

Pita bread comes in different varieties, and the healthiest type is made with whole wheat. But its good to have a variety of grains., Amanda A. Kostro Miller, a registered dietitian and board adviser of. A calorie content of 160 is found in the Tortilla while the roti has a calorie score of 104. The sprouting process changes the nutrient profile of the grain by unlocking some amino acids that werent accessible before. Unlike many other bread types, sourdough requires a starter, which is a combination of flour and water that has fermented over several days. This way, you can control the ingredients. 165 calories are the number of calories that are on a piece of white bread 6-1 / 6 inches. So among these two types of bread, pita bread is the healthier. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Because calories vary widely among brands, it can't be said that pita bread has more or fewer calories than standard, sliced bread. It consists of 9 grams of protein per 100 grams of bread and 56 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams of bread. Pita dough is proofed for only 15 minutes, resulting in its mostly flat shape. Much like rye, pumpernickel also uses a sourdough starter but uses the entire rye berry. The tortilla is a little bit fatty than the roti depending on its method of preparation. It is much more nutrient-dense than most commercial breads on the market. Bell advised to essentially treat it the same as white bread., Richards echoed that sentiment. To put it simply, this type of bread is the same as white bread, just unbleached., Bell explained that a white baguette has similar nutrition to your average white bread, with one important distinction, as it will have more simple ingredients and shorter shelf life than typical white sandwich bread, which is a sign that it has fewer preservatives.. We're breaking down a pita's nutrition to determine if it's a better low-calorie bread than a traditional American loaf. Better yet is to choose high-quality carbs that are less processed and retain more of their natural fiber, which offsets the potential blood sugar spikes that come with digesting simple carbs. Milk, butter, flour, sugar, eggs, and yeast are . This bread is at the bottom of the list because it really offers little in the way of vitamins and minerals, she said. Read on to learn which bread is best and which to leave at the store. Last medically reviewed on December 14, 2022. It also boasts a whopping 6g of fiber, which helps promote fullness and aid your digestion. It's dense, chewy, and has a handy pocket to store some extra fillings. This type of bread is not much different nutritionally from white sandwich bread, Richards said. One medium whole-wheat pita contains 140 kcal, 130 mg sodium, and 3g of fiber. The almond is a popular tree nut that is loaded with important nutrients. If you search out whole grain, youre getting a super bread that not only tastes great but is great for you. To find a more nutritious oat bread, look for one that lists oats and whole-wheat flour as the first two ingredients. Sometimes, bread packaging can list multigrain (more on that below), which isn't the same as whole grain. A large review of 27 studies found that a high intake of dietary ALA was associated with a lower risk of heart disease (25). Easiest way to poop in the next 24 hours! Rye loaves also typically have caraway seeds baked into them. As its name suggests, potato makes its way into the recipe, producing a bread that is on par with white bread as far as taste and texture. Whichever you choose, remember to eat bread in moderation as part of a balanced diet, alongside a variety of nutritious whole foods. "Don't assume that the darker the color, the better the bread," she says. However, its important to note that many manufacturers label breads whole wheat so that they appear healthier, even when they mostly consist of refined flour. Manage Settings However, she would limit to 50% of intake with other whole-grain/sprouted-grain breads.. Pita bread is also helpful for lowering risks of cholesterol and high blood pressure. Pita bread contains both healthy and unhealthy nutrients. So, while pita is healthier than white breads that are filled with sugar, they aren't totally healthy if you're eating it with unhealthy fillings, spreads, and sauces. Dam Good Whole Wheat English Muffins ($19.50 for a 3-pack. It is high in fiber and has other health benefits. One slice (46 grams) of whole-wheat bread contains (18): Whole-wheat bread made from 100% whole-wheat flour is higher in fiber, while bread made from refined wheat may be fortified with iron and B vitamins. And what does whole grain even mean? Pita bread made with whole-wheat flour offers more nutrients than pita made with white flour. "But, it has a few advantages. Pita bread's nutritional value is healthy but not overly so. And because things are never easy, the market further complicates matters by demanding you not just search out whole wheat, but concentrate on the percentage of whole grains in the product. Pita bread is made from just a few simple ingredients. The outcome is quite nutritious, according to Bell. Bake for about 15 -20 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes to ensure even browning. The fermentation process converts some of the carbs in sourdough into a form called resistant starch. No matter how much you love bread, sadly, bread doesnt always love you back. Many of the health benefits of pita bread can be attributed to its nutritional profile. The iron present in the pita bread helps in the production of red blood cells. Part of HuffPost Food & Drink. Flax, oat bran, wheat pita bread. Dietary fiber softens your stool and makes it is easier to pass, decreasing your chance of constipation. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Daves Killer Bread Organic White Bread Done Right ($5.98, Walmart.com). 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). To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Is It Healthier Than Other Types of Bread? Whether you're dipping whole-wheat pita into freshly-smashed chickpea hummus, frying some pita triangles to make chips, wrapping up your favorite souvlaki, or enjoying one of the countless other pita bread uses, one thing is for sure - these flatbreads are deliciously satisfying. Multigrain bread can be whole-grain but that's not necessarily the case, Taub-Dix says. The flatbread packs 5 grams of fat, which is more than twice what the Italian white bread has. Compared to it, a piece of white pita bread measuring 6-1/6 inches has 165 calories. However, most conventional wheat bread is unhealthy. Place the flour, dry active yeast, and sea salt into a large mixing bowl. 1. Check the labels accordingly, because wheat gluten is often used to make it. Simple wheat bread tricks many into thinking it is equal to 100% whole wheat, but this is not the case, she said. Want to experience the worst decision fatigue in your life? Although darker breads, like rye and pumpernickel (more on that below) may seem more nutritious than lighter varieties, that's not always the case, Taub-Dix says. "Pita bread isn't inherently healthier than other types of bread," Lal explains. Its a low-fat option with higher levels of potassium, great for those looking to follow a heart-healthy or diabetic-friendly diet, while still enjoying Taco Tuesday.. They are safe options for people who need to avoid gluten, such as those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. When compared to wheat, rye is often considered more nutritious. Here are the most significant benefits of eating this delicious, filling flatbread. Mestemacher Natural High Fiber Bread ($14.39 per 3-pack. Whisk to combine. If you have blood pressure, then pita bread is the right option as it contains a low sodium level. A whole-wheat pita can also help you get 12% of the recommended daily amount of protein if you eat one as a meal or snack. According to Dr. William Li, author of . Top 5 Contact Lens Technologies That Changed the Industry. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Poop Instantly No Matter How Constipated You Are >> Click Here. Cover the mixture, and set it aside until bubbles begin to form. Bread covers your daily need of Manganese 39% more than Pita. And a pita by itself can be rather healthy, with some caveats. However, this doesnt mean that sourdough is gluten-free. ? What is the difference between rye and pumpernickel bread? Therefore, sprouted grains may not increase blood sugar as much as other grains, and may be a good choice for people with diabetes or reduced blood sugar control (5). The best part about Pita bread is that it tastes good and can satiate your carb cravings. Drinking hot water is a great way to stay hydrated, and it might have extra health benefits. Bread made from refined flour has fewer nutrients and should be eaten in moderation. 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). At this point, you really should be shopping for taste and texture, because you arent getting nearly as much nutritional value as with other bread. For both types of bread, though, double-check the ingredient list to ensure you're getting 100 percent whole grains. Since sprouting increases grains fiber content, sprouted rye is higher in fiber and healthier than non-sprouted rye (36). Ezekiel bread is made from sprouted grains and doesn't contain added sugars. 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. Ciabatta bread is relatively high in carbohydrates and has nearly zero grams of fiber, Richards cautioned. Most specialty-style breads, like ciabatta, pita bread, focaccia and brioche are made with refined white flour. Is Brown Sugar Vegan: A Full Breakdown of the Sugar Process & Bone Char, Vegan Candy: The Ultimate List of 19 Plant-Based Goodies. 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. Eating foods with soluble fiber helps slow your digestion of carbs, which decreases insulin release and reduces blood sugar spikes (34, 35). Essentially what youre getting is bread made with grain that was allowed to sprout prior to grinding. Pita bread also consists of calcium, magnesium, iron, and sodium, making it a healthy option. And if you have ever sat down to eat four slices of bread, you know that doing so should lead to immediate soul-searching. This Middle-Eastern flatbread certainly tastes good wrapping up crispy balls of falafel or garlicky chicken and fresh veggies, but how healthy is pita bread? So, pumpernickel is one bread to consider if you are also looking to add anti-inflammatory properties to your daily intake. Although pita bread seems healthy, you need to consider a few things before including pita in your diet. Salt enhances the bread's flavor and tightens gluten strands, making the structure more solid. For taking more health benefits, you can try making a veg sandwich with pita. 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. However, just because a bread has oats or oatmeal on its label doesnt mean that it contains a high amount of oats. In addition to having more calories, the flatbread also has more fat. But with the other nutritional value packed in the pita bread, the high carbs are not a problem. In some areas, regular bread is healthier than pita bread, but in others, they are nearly equal. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Pita bread is made from whole wheat flour, which is high in fiber and low in calories. Alvarado St. Bakery, Sprouted Multigrain Bread ($7.99. 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. Web Indian-Spiced Chicken Pitas 13 Falafel Pita Sandwiches with Tzatziki 1 All Healthy Recipes with Pita Bread Apple & Cheddar Pita Pockets 3 The flavors of fall, apples and Cheddar, 397 Show detail Preview View more Advertisement Enriched Bread to Buy 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). 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. Even if you decide to cut down on carbs, you can enjoy one whole-wheat pita each day and be well under the recommended servings. If you're trying to determine the best and worst breads for your diet, it's simple. Compared to refined grains, these nutritious carbs have been linked with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, per the Whole Grains Council. Eating a pita won't make anyone gain weight, just like other foods won't, as long you're keeping overall calories in mind. Pitas are lower in sodium than bread, so that it may be the best option for those eating a low-salt diet. Many wonder whether pita is gluten-safe. However, she would limit to 50% of intake with other whole-grain/sprouted-grain breads.. Whole wheat is a great option, explained Brianne Bell, a registered dietitian and operator of the Frugal Minimalist Kitchen. Simple Kneads Gluten Free Pumpernickel ($6.65. And thats just your regular sourdough. The "fattening" debate is always a bit loaded, and the question is a little short-sighted. Naan bread is made with various kinds of flour as well. ", Harvard Health Publishing: "Are Sprouted Grains More Nutritious Than Regular Whole Grains?". Since oats are highly nutritious and linked to a number of health benefits, oat bread can be a healthy choice. Even the amount of whole grains can vary from bread to bread. Often, pumpernickel bread is heavier and sweeter than most bread types, which is why you may want to double-check the sugar content of the loaf you choose, Taub-Dix suggests. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. How to Make It and More, 9 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Almonds. But while its low in fat, its also lower in protein and higher in sodium levels, according to Mowrer. Enriched or fortified breads can help you get the nutrients and vitamins present in whole grains while avoiding the whole-grain flavor and texture. Ryes ability to lower your bodys insulin response is likely due to its high soluble fiber content. Nutritionist and, proponent Lisa Richards, for example, cautioned against buying anything enriched., And there is tremendous value packed into that fact. We love a good flatbread, and while pitas reign supreme in Greek and Middle-Eastern culture, almost every culture has its version of this tasty option - try some naan, focaccia, matzah, or roti. Amanda A. Kostro Miller, a registered dietitian and board adviser of Smart Healthy Living, explained: Some regulations allow manufacturers to label their product as whole wheat even if it only has 51% whole-wheat flour. She advised you look for bread that boasts being 100% whole wheat. The nutritional value of these bread varieties really depends on the specific kind you're buying. Before buying the bread, read the nutritional information in the packet as it may vary in the ingredients. However, those made from almond or coconut flours, such as Barely Bread, tend to be lower in carbs but higher in fiber and protein than loaves made from wheat or other grains (39). For example, if the ingredients show white flour, sugar, or high fructose corn syrup, then your body will process this junk into sugar, and eventually, it will turn to fat in some form. A good thing to keep in mind is that one packet of sugar has about 4 grams of sugar, Taub-Dix says. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. One slice (34 grams) of Ezekiel Sprouted Whole-Grain Flax Bread contains (29): Flax bread contains plant-based omega-3 fatty acids that promote good heart health, as well as compounds called lignans that may help protect against certain cancers. Bread: Is Pita Bread Healthier Than Bread? Varieties with the highest fiber content will have the most whole grains. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Wheat bread is dangerously close to marketing itself simply as "bread." It promises that it has been made with wheat flour but then kind of stops abruptly after that, and hopes you do too. It Contains Fewer Calories and Fat Two pieces of bread used to make a typical sandwich have about 200 calories. Bread is a staple food for most people. However, white flour is typically fortified with iron and B vitamins and may actually contain more of certain nutrients than whole wheat flour (14, 15). There's nothing like biting into a freshly baked piece of warm, fluffy pita bread. Here are 14 reasons for constant hunger. Pumpernickel bread tends to be darker and more strongly flavored than regular rye breads. "Pita bread is often made with flour, including white and whole wheat," Lal says. 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? 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. This contributes a significant amount toward your fiber intake goals -- each pita contains 19 and 12 percent of the daily fiber needs for women and men, respectively. Read It Before You Eat It: Taking You from Label to Table, Is There a Better Bread? Fill each quarter with a heaped tablespoon of the meat mixture, spreading it out so that the filling is even. Traditional rye bread is only made from rye flour and does not contain any wheat flour, whereas most modern rye breads are made from a combination of the two.