A healthy breakfast should contain enough calories, protein and fiber to keep you satisfied until your midday meal. With a moderate number of calories and little protein and fiber, English muffins may not do the trick. Although they do not contain any unwanted saturated fat, they are not the healthiest breakfast option when compared to some other foods.
Fat
English muffins are low in fat; one muffin contains just 1 g of fat and 0 g of saturated fat. They are also moderate in calories, with 120 per muffin. If you are watching your weight, avoiding foods that are high in fat may help you to keep your caloric intake under control. In terms of fat content, English muffins are a fairly healthy choice compared to a regular muffin or pastry.
Protein
Compared to some other breakfast foods, English muffins are not high in protein, with 4 g per muffin. More protein would be found, for example, in a cup of low-fat milk or in an egg. Protein is particularly important at breakfast, as it provides you with a feeling of satisfaction and prevents overeating. It is also needed for the building and repair of tissues. Since English muffins provide little protein, they are not the healthiest choice in this regard.
Fiber
English muffins made from refined flour contain little fiber, with just 1 g per muffin. Fiber is important in weight loss, as it keeps you feeling full and helps prevent overeating. It is also needed for healthy digestion. Other common breakfast foods, such as fruit, oatmeal or high-fiber cereal, provide considerably more fiber than English muffins. To add fiber, top your muffin with a small amount of peanut butter. Alone, English muffins are not the healthiest breakfast choice for fiber.
Minerals
A moderate amount of some minerals are found in English muffins. One muffin contains 8 percent of the daily value for calcium and iron. Calcium is needed for bone health, while iron is needed for oxygen transport. Unfortunately, an English muffin also contains 8 percent of the daily value for sodium, which you should limit. Although English muffins do contain some needed nutrients, they are not the healthiest breakfast choice.
References
- LIVESTRONG.COM MyPlate: Thomas' English Muffins
- American Heart Association; Know Your Fats; January 2011
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Protein; February 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet; Mayo Clinic Staff; November 2009
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Vitamins and Minerals; February 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Sodium: How to Tame Your Salt Habit Now; Mayo Clinic staff; May 2010
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