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Bagels, when enhanced with functional ingredients like resistant starch, flaxseed, or alternative flours, can offer significant health benefits. They can improve glycemic control, support cardiovascular health, and provide a nutritious snack option for diabetics. These findings highlight the potential of bagels as a versatile and health-promoting food choice.
Bagels, a popular breakfast and snack option, have been the subject of various studies exploring their potential health benefits. This article delves into the findings from recent research on how bagels can contribute to better health, particularly for individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Resistant Starch Bagels and Glycemic Control
Background
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing health concern worldwide. One effective strategy to manage and prevent T2D is increasing dietary fiber intake. Resistant starch (RS), a type of dietary fiber, has shown promise in improving glycemic control. High-amylose maize resistant starch, type 2 (HAM-RS2), is particularly noted for its beneficial effects on blood sugar levels.
Study Findings
A study investigated the effects of consuming bagels high in HAM-RS2 on fasting and postprandial glycemic markers in adults at increased risk of T2D. The study employed a randomized, double-blind crossover design involving 24 participants who consumed either a high-HAM-RS2 bagel or a control wheat bagel daily for 56 days, with a 4-week washout period in between1.
The results were promising:
- The RS bagel treatment significantly reduced fasting insulin levels by 22.1%.
- Postprandial insulin levels were also lower at 2 hours (23.3%) and 3 hours (18.9%) after consumption.
- Fasting insulin resistance decreased by 23.1%.
These findings suggest that high-HAM-RS2 bagels can improve glycemic efficiency by reducing the insulin required to manage blood glucose levels, making them a feasible dietary strategy for reducing T2D risk1.
Flaxseed-Enriched Bagels and Cardiovascular Health
Background
Flaxseed is known for its cardiovascular benefits, including lowering blood pressure and improving lipid profiles. Incorporating flaxseed into daily diets can be challenging, but functional foods like bagels offer a convenient solution.
Study Findings
A year-long study examined the acceptance and health benefits of various flaxseed-enriched foods, including bagels, among patients with cardiovascular disease. Participants were free to choose from a variety of flaxseed-enriched foods, with bagels being the most frequently consumed option2.
The study concluded that:
- Bagels were the most preferred flaxseed-enriched food, followed by muffins and snack bars.
- The consumption trends were similar for both flaxseed and placebo foods, indicating good acceptance of flaxseed-enriched bagels.
This suggests that bagels can be an effective vehicle for delivering the cardiovascular benefits of flaxseed over extended periods2.
Alternative Ingredients for Diabetic-Friendly Bagels
Background
In Indonesia, bagels are gaining popularity as a snack and breakfast option. Substituting traditional ingredients with local staples like sorghum and white sweet potato can create low glycemic index (GI) bagels suitable for diabetics.
Study Findings
An experimental study evaluated the acceptability and nutritional value of bagels made with sorghum and white sweet potato. The study involved 30 diabetic panelists and tested three formulas: a control, a 20% white sweet potato substitution (F1), and a combination of 20% white sweet potato and 10% sorghum (F2)3.
Key findings include:
- The F1 formula was the most favored in terms of taste, aroma, and texture.
- F1 bagels met the nutritional requirements for diabetic snacks, providing 85% of the energy, 99% of the carbohydrates, 40% of the fat, 92% of the protein, and 260% of the fiber needed.
- The F1 bagels had a low glycemic index of 54.6, making them suitable for diabetics.
These results indicate that bagels made with sorghum and white sweet potato can be a nutritious and acceptable snack option for diabetics3.