Multigrain English muffins are made from a mixture of unbleached flours and whole grains --- typically some combination of cracked wheat, rye, barley, flax seed and millet. High in carbohydrates, protein and a number of vitamins and minerals, multigrain English muffins can help you meet several nutritional needs. Whole grains are an important part of the diet, and have been demonstrated to have a positive effect on the heart, diabetic conditions and some types of cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Energy Value
One 66 g multigrain English muffin contains 155 calories. All foods provide energy to the body to help fuel physical activity and energy metabolism. A food's energy value is measured by its caloric content, and the human body needs a substantial amount of calories each day to burn fat, protein and carbohydrate stores and to lose weight. Most adults need a minimum of 2,000 calories per day, and a multigrain English muffin provides about 8 percent of this amount.
Carbohydrates
A multigrain English muffin's greatest nutrient contribution is its carbohydrate content. Each muffin contains about 31 g of carbohydrates. The body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which it uses for energy. Carbohydrates should account for 45 percent to 65 percent of your total daily calories and 2,000-calorie diet calls for a minimum of 225 g of carbohydrates. A multigrain English muffin provides about 14 percent this amount.
Protein and Fat
Each 66 g multigrain English muffin contains about 6 g of protein. Protein should account for 10 percent to 35 percent of your total daily caloric intake, and a 2,000-calorie diet requires at least 50 g of this nutrient. One multigrain English muffin contains about 12 percent of a typical adult's minimum protein needs. A multigrain English muffin is a fairly insignificant source of fat, with 1.19 g per serving. Most adults need a minimum of 44 g of fat per day.
Minerals
A multigrain English muffin contains 10 minerals, and is especially rich in iron, copper, manganese and selenium. Iron helps to promote blood health by delivering oxygen to blood cells. Copper, manganese and selenium all have antioxidant properties that prevent stress on cells caused by free radicals. These minerals also help to activate enzymes associated with energy metabolism and wound healing. A multigrain English muffin contains about 17 percent of iron, 18 percent of copper, 20 percent of manganese and 31 percent of selenium.
Vitamins
A multigrain English muffin contains moderate to high amounts of B vitamins, particularly thiamine, niacin and riboflavin. B-vitamins are a class of organic compounds that help produce red blood cells, promote immune system function and transform nutrients into energy the body can use to fuel metabolism. One multigrain English muffin provides about 25 percent of thiamine, 16 percent of niacin and 18 percent of riboflavin.
References
- Thomas: Light Multi-grain English Muffins
- MayoClinic.com: Whole Grains; Hearty Options for a Healthy Diet; July 2011
- USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference: English Muffins, Mixed-Grain
- Institute of Medicine; Dietary Reference Intakes; Macronutrients
- Institute of Medicine; Dietary Reference Intakes; Vitamins and Elements
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Vitamins and Minerals
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