Whole-wheat bagels are a healthy option for breakfast and can also be piled with lean meat and vegetables for a nutritious lunch or dinner meal. MayoClinic.com recommends choosing whole-wheat foods, such as bagels, because they are more nutritious and contain more vitamins and minerals than their white counterparts. Knowing more about the benefits of whole-wheat bagels may persuade you to purchase them next time you are in the mood for bagels.
Fiber
One of the most important benefits from choosing a whole-wheat bagel is that it contains more fiber than white versions. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, eating more fiber may reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. The fiber in a whole-wheat bagel may also reduce your cholesterol level. Good digestive health is also related to a high-fiber diet, and choosing a whole-wheat bagel may keep your digestive system working properly.
Vitamins
Whole wheat, including whole-wheat bagels, contain a healthy dose of several B vitamins, including riboflavin, thiamin and niacin. In fact, a serving of whole wheat can contain more than 100 percent of your daily requirement of both thiamin and riboflavin. A whole-wheat bagel will also supply some folic acid, another B vitamin that promotes good health. A whole-wheat bagel will also supply you with a healthy dose of vitamin B6 and vitamin E.
Minerals
Eating a whole-wheat bagel will also boost your intake of key minerals that protect your health and stave off illness and disease. You will get a small amount of calcium, magnesium and zinc from a whole-wheat bagel. Choosing a whole-wheat bagel will also give you a hefty dose of iron, particularly if you choose an enriched bagel. Read the nutrition label on your whole-wheat bagel because some varieties are high in sodium.
Health Protective Benefits
Choosing whole-wheat grain products, including bagels, can reduce your risk of having a heart attack, as well as your risk of dying from heart disease later in life, the Harvard School of Public Health notes. You may also lower your chances of suffering from a stroke by increasing your intake of whole-wheat foods. A diet rich in whole wheat has also been linked to an increased ability for your body to regulate blood sugar levels, as well as lower your chances of constipation.
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