Bread is a healthy go-to breakfast option, and there is a variety of bread available in the market. Pita bread is a type of flatbread baked from wheat flour, most commonly consumed in middle eastern countries.
Pita bread is made with a pocket in the middle and is mainly used to prepare sandwiches as it can hold many sandwich fillings.
Since pita bread has a lot of nutrition and health benefits and is almost consumed by people worldwide now, it seems to be an easy choice but is pita bread a healthy option? Is pita better than regular bread? In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about pita bread.
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Is pita bread good for your health?
Most types of bread are believed to be healthy, and pita bread is also considered healthy due to its nutritional value. Pita bread contains only 2 grams of fat per 100 grams.
Although pita bread seems healthy, you need to consider a few things before including pita in your diet. Pita bread comes in different varieties, and the healthiest type is made with whole wheat. Pita bread can be a staple option in your low-carb diet as long as you choose wisely.
Also, another main thing to consider before buying pita bread is to check the ingredients. As per the University of California Santa Barbara, the correct way to choose healthy bread is to check its ingredients. There can be artificial sugar in some commercial pita bread available in the market and preservatives added.
Pita vs Bread: Is pita bread better than other bread?
Depending on what type of bread you compare to, the nutritional value differs. Pita bread has a lot of health benefits for your body.
When you compare pita bread with regular white bread, pita bread consists of more nutrition than regular bread. If you have blood pressure, then pita bread is the right option as it contains a low sodium level. Pita bread is also high in carbohydrates which give you more energy. So among these two types of bread, pita bread is the healthier.
When it comes to rye bread, it is made with flour that comes from rye grains. Rye bread is low in fat and cholesterol and is also high in magnesium, selenium, and thiamine. So it’s difficult to pick one from these two types, but for diabetes patients, pita bread is the winner since it contains low sugar it.
With whole wheat bread, wheat bread contains fewer calories and more fiber than pita bread. Both these types of bread are good for your health, but if you are looking to lose weight, the better choice will be rye bread as it has fewer calories than pita bread.
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Nutritional value of pita bread
Pita bread is made with some healthy ingredients like whole wheat, yeast, olive oil, salt, and sugar. Pita bread is a rich source of fiber. It consists of Vitamins and minerals like thiamine and riboflavin. Pita bread also contains protein and minerals that benefit your health.
When it comes to calories, pita bread consists of 78 calories in one ounce of pita bread. According to the national health service of the UK, the average intake of a calorie per day should be 2000 for women and 2500 for men. Considering this, pita bread is not high in calories and should not be a problem.
It is also very low in fat, as it has only one gram of fat in one ounce of pita bread. Pita bread also consists of calcium, magnesium, iron, and sodium, making it a healthy option.
When the debate comes to carb, pita bread contains high carbs when compared. But with the other nutritional value packed in the pita bread, the high carbs are not a problem. This nutritional value is always dependent on the ingredients used in the making of pita bread.
Is pita bread fattening?
Pita bread consists of calories and carbs, which brings in the debate about fattening. But the Calories are not the issue with pita bread. The main issue is the ingredients used. Making it at home would be the best way, but if you’re buying it from the market, read the label to determine how it will affect your body.
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. Before buying the bread, read the nutritional information in the packet as it may vary in the ingredients.
Health benefits of pita bread
Pita bread consists of a lot of health benefits. Here are some of them.
1. High in fiber content
Pita bread is high in fiber content. Fiber-rich food helps your digestive system to work properly. Pita bread helps in better digestion and lowers the chances of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The fiber content in pita also helps in curing constipation. A whole-wheat pita bread consists of more fiber than regular bread.
2. Low in calories
Pita bread is also low in calories and is a healthy option for those looking to lose some weight. Pita bread is also a good filler for your appetite and makes you feel full for a long time, reducing the chance of munching frequently. Since pita bread is low in calories, it helps in controlling cholesterol and high blood pressure.
3. Rich source of minerals
A whole-wheat pita bread consists of a lot of minerals for your body. They are high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, selenium, and iron. The calcium content in the pita bread helps in stronger bones and prevents any bone disease.
The iron present in the pita bread helps in the production of red blood cells. It plays a vital role in supplying oxygen to the body. The selenium and magnesium in the pita bread act as an antioxidant which prevents any cell damage.
4. Protein, carbs, and vitamins
Pita bread is also high in protein content. It consists of 9 grams of protein per 100 grams of bread and 56 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams of bread. Pita bread is also a great source of vitamin B. It also consists of thiamine, which helps extract nutrition from the food and converts it into energy that your body needs.
The bottom line
Overall when you consider the nutritional value provided, pita bread is healthy to consume. It has more nutritional value than many other forms of bread. For taking more health benefits, you can try making a veg sandwich with pita.
While the pita bread is healthy, it is always important to check the ingredient list for any added artificial agent. Make sure you buy pure whole wheat pit bread as it is the healthiest among all kinds of pita bread.
