Well, who doesn’t love eating bread? Bread is considered to be amongst the easiest options that you can have either for your breakfast or as a filling snack. It also adds variety as there are so many different types and versions of bread available in the market today. However, things are just not the same when you have been diagnosed with something like diabetes. You need to be extra careful with whatever you are including in your daily diet. In this article, we shall try to understand which is the best bread for diabetes patients. So, come and join in for the article “What Kind of Bread is Best for Diabetes?”
Table of Contents
- Why Eating Bread Might Be a Problem for Diabetes?
- Best Bread for Diabetics
- Whole-Grain Bread Which Has Been Enriched with Fiber
- Bread Without Flour or Grains
- Multi-Grain Sandwich Bread
- Low-Carbohydrates Tortillas
- Spelt Bread
- Low-Carb Pita Bread
- 7 Sprouted Grains Bread
- Guidelines to Make Bread a Part of Your Diabetic Meal Plan
Why Eating Bread Might Be a Problem for Diabetes?
In order to understand the types of bread that are good for diabetic patients, it is first imperative to know the problems with white bread that can harm those with diabetes.
In diabetes, eating white as well as other bread types of bread can cause a lot of complications. There are many reasons for the same. Consider the following:
- White bread is known to contain a chemical named alloxan. Alloxan is added to the bread in order to give it its white color. This chemical is known to cause damage to the pancreas. Now pancreas is the organ responsible for the production of insulin, which in turn helps to maintain the stable levels of blood glucose in our body. In the absence of a proper functioning pancreas, diabetes is sure to occur.
- Another important risk element when you eat white bread and are diabetic is the fact that white bread is made from processed flour and is a source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrate, as we know, has to be limited to the maximum possible extent in diabetes.
- It is a form of refined starch and interferes with the levels of glucose in your body and hence should be avoided completely by a diabetic.
- When you eat bread, even the otherwise thought of healthy whole wheat bread, your blood glucose levels tend to come up very quickly.
- Another reason why bread may not be the perfect choice for all the diabetes patients is the fact that most varieties of bread contain sugar. Too much of sugar is something which a diabetic patient should better avoid.
- The Gluten present in various types of bread damages the immune system of your body. The weakness of the immune system, as we already know, is one of the strongest reasons causing diabetes.
- Finally, bread lacks all the essential nutrients your body needs. The presence of phytic acid in most types of bread leads the body to lose absorption of essential minerals such as calcium, iron, amongst others.
So, which bread should a person suffering from diabetes eat then? The following paragraphs will help to explain the same:
Best Bread for Diabetics
If you are diabetic and do want to include bread in your daily diet, you should go for the following best options:
Whole-Grain Bread Which Has Been Enriched with Fiber
Fiber is an important nutrient that is needed for those with diabetes. It plays a vital role in helping to control the increase in the levels of blood glucose. As per a few studies conducted by experts, if you take soluble sources of fiber as part of your food, the rate of digestion will slow down, thereby preventing high blood glucose spikes.
As a result, fiber-enriched whole grain bread is a good option for people with diabetes. However, this type of bread is high in the total carbohydrates content. Hence, you need to be careful about the same.
Bread Without Flour or Grains
You have bread available in the market today which are made of flax seeds, almond flour, or coconut flour. All these are considered healthy for those with diabetes. This type of bread could easily be one of the best options for all the bread lovers who are also patients of diabetes and are looking forward to managing their blood glucose rise.
Multi-Grain Sandwich Bread
Another type of bread that you can include in your diabetic diet is the multi-grain sandwich bread. This bread gains its benefits from the whole and unrefined grains that go into its making. While the bread is still high in carbohydrates, the grains help to reduce the adverse effect of the same on the elevated levels of blood glucose. This bread is rich in nutrients and you can get all the important minerals your body needs by consuming the bread. These nutrients include zinc, vitamin E, etc.
Low-Carbohydrates Tortillas
These days you easily get the tortillas which have a low carbohydrate content and is considered a great option for people who have diabetes and its related complications. These are made with ingredients such as soy protein and others which have a low carbohydrate count. Besides, there are a few makers who, in order to make the tortillas even healthier for use add fiber to the same. Addition of fiber, in turn, benefits all those bread lovers who have diabetes.
Spelt Bread
Another traditional form of the modern wheat is the spelt grain. Experts believe that spelt is slow to digest which makes it an important alternative to the whole wheat bread that you may have been used to. Spelt bread is considered to be a healthy bread choice for those with diabetes.
Low-Carb Pita Bread
There are versions of pita bread available which are low in the total carbohydrate content. You should go for these varieties if you are a diabetic.
7 Sprouted Grains Bread
This bread is easily found in stores like Food for Life. This bread is considered just perfect for breakfast as it makes you feel full. A slice of bread has 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Thus, you do have the healthier alternative choices when it comes to eating bread. Having said that, you still need to be careful when you are including any of the above-mentioned bread in your daily diet because each one will have a few considerations for diabetes patient. The following paragraph explains you the guidelines that should be followed.
Guidelines to Make Bread a Part of Your Diabetic Meal Plan
As is clear from the above, bread is not the best choice for a person who suffers from diabetes. However, if you do follow the below-mentioned guidelines, you could include your favorite bread as part of your overall meal plan without having to feel guilty about the same.
- Go for all those bread options that are high in the total fiber content and is low in sugar at the same time.
- Go for the less processed varieties. The ones which are made at home or are available at the farmer’s market could be the ones which we are looking for.
- Always be mindful of the fact that you need to make bread a part of your overall meal plan. Hence, do look into the ingredients and the nutrition profile of the bread that you plan to eat.
- Do consult your doctor before including anything new in your diet and do not go overboard with the overall eating process.
By following the above simple guidelines, you shall be able to eat bread as part of your overall diabetic meal plan.
We hope that the above article has been helpful in improving your understanding of the different types of bread that are best suitable for you if you are a patient of diabetes. Bread is not the ideal choice for the diabetics but given the plethora of choices available, you can certainly choose the best option for you after properly consulting your medical doctor. You have to, however, follow a few important guidelines and make the same a part of your meal plan!!
108 Shares
FAQs
How many pieces of bread should a diabetic eat? ›
Even high-quality, whole grain starches elevate blood glucose to some degree, so it's still important to limit portions — stick with ½ to ¾ cup cooked grains or just 1 slice of bread at meals.
Can diabetics eat bread everyday? ›In short, yes. If you have diabetes, you can certainly eat bread, as long as you keep in mind the number of carb servings that particular bread provides. Choosing healthier breads like whole-grain ones with a high fiber count is best for keeping blood sugar levels low.
Is Dave's bread good for diabetics? ›Dave's Killer Bread is a healthy choice for diabetics. All flavors in the "thin sliced" are good choices, and Powerseed in the large size is great as well. In addition to Dave's, the best breads are Ezekiel, 100% whole wheat or whole grain, spouted, and sourdough.
What bread does not break down into sugar? ›Sprouted grain bread wins the contest because it's high in fiber and protein, which means it won't have as much of an impact on your blood sugar levels. The key indicator is your glycemic response.
What bread has the least amount of sugar? ›Sourdough contains less sugar, even when made with white flour. Both light and dark rye bread have a relatively low GI. Try to buy fresh from the bakery instead of the store, and go organic when possible. Even “healthy” multigrain bread can contain nasty sugar levels.
How many slices of whole wheat bread can a diabetic eat? ›Most people with diabetes should aim for 45 to 60 milligrams of carbs per meal, according to the American Diabetes Association. One slice of whole-wheat bread contains 12 grams of carbohydrate. This fits well within your total per-meal carbohydrate intake.
Is sourdough bread OK for diabetics? ›Fortunately, sourdough bread can be good for people who have or are predisposed to diabetes. Research suggests not only is sourdough an ideal part of a balanced diet, but it can also help to manage blood sugar levels and provide other benefits, which is important when dealing with diabetes.
Is sweet Potato good for diabetics? ›Sweet potatoes have a sterling nutritional profile, making them a great food for people with diabetes. Here's how to start incorporating them into your diet. Sweet potatoes are one of the most popular foods for diabetes at Everyday Health, and with good reason.
What is the healthiest bread to eat? ›- Sprouted whole grain. Sprouted bread is made from whole grains that have started to sprout from exposure to heat and moisture. ...
- Sourdough. ...
- 100% whole wheat. ...
- Oat bread. ...
- Flax bread. ...
- 100% sprouted rye bread. ...
- Healthy gluten-free bread.
- Goat cheese. Goat cheese may be the healthiest cheese option for people with type 2 diabetes. ...
- Cottage cheese. ...
- Romano cheese. ...
- Cheddar cheese. ...
- Feta cheese. ...
- Mozzarella cheese.
Which sourdough bread is best for diabetics? ›
Much of the research has focused on type 2 diabetes, which can largely be controlled by dietary choices. Wholegrain or sprouted grain sourdough breads have been shown to moderate the blood sugar response after eating. The long, slow fermentation associated with sourdough bread has numerous benefits for digestibility.
Can diabetics eat pizza? ›The short answer to this question is yes, people with diabetes can enjoy all types of pizza. However, it's a good idea for all people, not just those with diabetes, to limit their intake of pizza.
Does toasting bread remove sugar? ›While toasting bread is proven to lower its glycaemic index, giving it a less dramatic effect on blood sugar and insulin levels, there are a few disadvantages of toasting your bread.
What bread has the least amount of sugar and carbs? ›- loaf of seeded bread.
- ezekiel bread sprouted whole grain bread. ...
- Dave's Killer Bread 21 Powerseed Thin-Sliced. ...
- Angelic Bakehouse Sprouted 7-Grain Bread. ...
- Alvarado St. ...
- Trader Joe's Sprouted 7-Grain Bread.
High in Carbohydrates
Ezekiel bread is a high-carb food. People with diabetes and those trying to lose weight should only eat it in small amounts. Ezekiel bread is not consistent with a keto diet.
- Corn, reduced-carb or whole-grain tortillas.
- Cheese wraps or cheese slices.
- Coconut wraps.
- Cauliflower bread.
- Cucumber slices.
- Sweet potato slices.
- Bell pepper slices.
- Portobello mushrooms.
- Vegetables. Compared to fruits, most vegetables contain less sugar. ...
- Meat. Seafood, pork, beef, and chicken are all sugar-free. ...
- Beans, Nuts, Lentils. If you don't eat meat, soybeans, lentils, beans, nuts, and seeds are great sugar-free, high-protein foods.
- Grains.
Whereas most types of bread contain added sugar, Ezekiel bread contains none. It is also made from organic, sprouted whole grains and legumes.
What are the 5 worst foods for blood sugar? ›- KETCHUP. ...
- WHITE PASTA. ...
- BAGELS. ...
- ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS. ...
- FRUIT JUICE. ...
- ENERGY BARS. ...
- LOW-FAT SWEETENED YOGURT. ...
- SPORTS DRINKS AND ENERGY DRINKS. Energy drinks and sports drinks carry all the woes of fruit juice with the added no-no of more sugars.
GOOD FOR DIABETICS: People who have diabetes should eat toasted bread rather than plain bread. A study published in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition in May 2018, found that toasted bread has a lower glycemic index. The glycemic index estimates the effect of a food on your blood sugar level.
Is mayonnaise good for diabetics? ›
Yes, a person with diabetes can eat mayonnaise. Mayonnaise has less than a single gram of carbohydrates per tablespoon. But with 10 grams of total fat (1.6 grams of that coming from saturated fat) it can be considered high fat. So you may want to limit the amount of mayonnaise you eat or find an alternative.
Is popcorn good for diabetics? ›Popcorn is a very popular and healthy whole-grain snack food. It has been deemed a suitable snack food for people with diabetes, partly because of its low calorie density. One cup (8 grams) of air-popped popcorn contains just 31 calories.
Are tomatoes good for diabetics? ›Tomatoes are not high in sugar, and neither are carrots. Tomatoes, similar to carrots, are considered a non-starchy vegetable in meal planning for diabetes. This means that the amount of naturally occurring sugar is minimal in a serving.
Can diabetics eat bagels? ›Bagels are naturally higher in carbohydrate than a slice of bread, but if you want to enjoy a bagel while living with diabetes, you absolutely can! Look for varieties (like the ones below) that are higher in protein and fiber, and pair it with an additional protein source.
Is sourdough or rye bread better for diabetics? ›Rye bread is a good choice for people with diabetes because it has a lower glycemic index than other types of bread. This means that it does not cause your blood sugar to rise as quickly after eating it. Rye bread is also a good source of fiber, which can help to improve blood sugar control.
Is peanut butter good for diabetics? ›Natural peanut butter is considered safe for people with diabetes. It's best to avoid the “low-fat” varieties of peanut butter. They sound healthy—but most brands simply add more sugar to make up for less fat. This can spike blood sugar levels and leads to more daily carbohydrates.
Which is better for diabetics pumpernickel or sourdough bread? ›Pumpernickel Bread
It is one of the healthier bread made from sourdough starters and coarsely ground rye. In addition, the fermented rye and lower GI value make pumpernickel bread ideal for diabetes.
Not only are oats nutritious and satiating, they can also offer specific benefits for people with type 2 diabetes. According to MedlinePlus, adults with type 2 diabetes may benefit from eating whole grains like oats, due to their potential glucose and cholesterol-lowering effects.
Are grapes good for diabetics? ›Grapes are a beloved fruit that is healthy and safe for people with diabetes. They are safe to eat, and you can include them in a diabetic diet because they don't cause a rise in blood sugar. Consuming grapes can lower the risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Due to their fibre content, grapes keep one feeling full.
What is the best way to cook potatoes for a diabetic? ›The most healthful way to cook potatoes is to boil, steam, or microwave them without adding other ingredients. Preparing potatoes in this way will ensure that they are very low in sugar, salt, and fat.
Can diabetics eat pasta? ›
People with diabetes can eat pasta but should choose whole grain types and watch their portion size. Diabetes-friendly pasta recipes may include alternative types of pasta, along with healthy vegetables, protein, and low-fat sauces.
What bread should I eat everyday? ›Whole-grain bread, Ezekiel bread, and rye bread are among the most healthful options. Bread made from whole or sprouted grains contains essential nutrients, including protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Others, such as processed white bread, contain very few nutrients.
What chips can a diabetic eat? ›We're big fans of the brand Beanitos, made from legumes instead of potatoes or corn. Beanitos have a comparable nutritional profile to potato or tortilla chips, but pack in about 5 grams of satiating protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving.
What kind of milk can diabetics drink? ›People with diabetes may need to limit the amount of flavored sweetened milk they drink. People with diabetes may choose to use milk products that are full fat or whole, reduced fat or fat free depending on their preference or their calorie and nutrition goals.
What milk is best for diabetic person? ›Milk. Switching to lower-fat milk, such as semi-skimmed milk (green top) from whole milk (blue top), which contains the most fat, is a good start. To make even more of a difference, try 1 per cent fat milk (orange top) or even better skimmed milk (red top).
Is rye bread OK for diabetics? ›There is a variety of options and possibilities when it comes to choosing the finest bread for diabetics to eat. For diabetics, rye is an excellent grain to consume. It is made up of bigger molecules than wheat, thus it takes longer to break down in your system.
Which Dave's Killer bread is the healthiest? ›The only Dave's product that meets our high formulation standards is Dave's Powerseed Bread (both regular and Thin-Sliced) because it's free of processed sugar and is instead sweetened with a small amount of organic fruit juices. This is the healthiest bread we've reviewed on Illuminate Health.
Can diabetics eat potatoes? ›Can people with diabetes eat potatoes? According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), starchy vegetables such as potatoes can be included in the diet of a person with diabetes. The total amount of carbohydrate consumed at any given meal or snack is what is most important.
What Mexican food can a diabetic eat? ›- Fillings made of beans, grilled chicken or grilled steak.
- Meals made with soft flour tortillas, such as burritos, tostadas, and carnitas.
- Grilled lime-flavored shrimp.
- Bean enchiladas with a little cilantro and onions.
- Salsas.
- Sautéed veggies.
“When ordering Chinese, focus on dishes packed full of lean proteins and vegetables with limited rice and noodles,” advises Palinski-Wade, who suggests ordering steamed chicken and broccoli with the sauce on the side.
Can a Type 2 diabetic eat a hamburger? ›
Burger: You can have a burger, but consider forgoing the bun. Top with lettuce, tomato and onion, and skip the condiments to avoid unnecessary sugars. Bean salad: Beans are a good option. While baked beans tend to be higher in sugar, a light bean salad is a great choice.
Which bread is better for diabetics multigrain or whole wheat? ›Whole-grain breads with high-fiber ingredients, such as oats and bran, are usually the best option for people with diabetes. Making bread at home with specific, diabetes-friendly ingredients may also help reduce the impact that bread can have on blood sugar levels.
Is sourdough bread good for type 2 diabetes? ›Fortunately, sourdough bread can be good for people who have or are predisposed to diabetes. Research suggests not only is sourdough an ideal part of a balanced diet, but it can also help to manage blood sugar levels and provide other benefits, which is important when dealing with diabetes.
Can Type 2 diabetics eat multigrain bread? ›Multigrain bread has low carbs. It has a low glycemic index and is ideal for diabetic and heart patients. It also helps keep a check on your body weight.
What can I use instead of bread for sandwiches? ›- Corn, reduced-carb or whole-grain tortillas.
- Cheese wraps or cheese slices.
- Coconut wraps.
- Cauliflower bread.
- Cucumber slices.
- Sweet potato slices.
- Bell pepper slices.
- Portobello mushrooms.
The longer the toasting typically means the more harmful chemicals in the bread. That said, the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found toasting bread does have one health benefit. It lowers the glycemic index, so it is less likely than regular bread to spike blood sugar.
Is Ezekiel bread good for type 2 diabetes? ›High in Carbohydrates
Ezekiel bread is a high-carb food. People with diabetes and those trying to lose weight should only eat it in small amounts. Ezekiel bread is not consistent with a keto diet.