Is Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread Healthy for Diabetes?

Understanding Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread

For people with diabetes, choosing the right bread can be challenging. The key is to look for options that are made from 100% whole grains, which provide fiber and other nutrients without spiking blood sugar levels.

One popular brand of 100% whole wheat bread is Arnold. Their 100% Whole Wheat Bread contains no high fructose corn syrup or artificial preservatives. But is it a healthy choice for those with diabetes? Let's take a closer look.

Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread Nutrition Facts

Here are the nutrition facts for 1 slice (32g) of Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread:

• Calories: 80
• Total Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 135mg
• Total Carbs: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 3g

With 3 grams of fiber per slice, this bread provides some bulk and satisfaction without spiking blood sugar. It has no added sugars, relying on naturally occurring sugars from the whole grains.

Ingredients in Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread

Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread contains the following ingredients:

Whole wheat flour, water, wheat gluten, yeast, molasses, salt, vegetable oil (soybean and/or canola), honey, wheat bran, calcium propionate (preservative), monoglycerides, DATEM, calcium sulfate, citric acid, soy lecithin, grain vinegar, potassium iodate.

The ingredients are relatively simple and all identifiable. With whole wheat flour as the first ingredient, this bread offers the nutritious bran and germ along with the endosperm.

Benefits of Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread

For people with diabetes, Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread has several benefits:

• Higher fiber - 3g per slice aids digestion and blunts blood sugar spikes.
• No added sugars - It relies on naturally occurring sugars only.
• No high fructose corn syrup or artificial preservatives.
• May reduce risk of strokes, heart disease and colorectal cancer.
• Provides B vitamins, magnesium, iron, selenium and antioxidants.
• Contains gluten to produce satisfying texture.

The fiber content, in particular, makes it a better choice than white bread or refined wheat breads for diabetes management.

Glycemic Index and Diabetes

The glycemic index (GI) measures how quickly foods cause spikes in blood sugar. Lower GI foods are digested more slowly, resulting in better glycemic control.

Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread has a moderate GI of 69. This means it impacts blood sugar slower than refined grains but faster than intact whole grains.

Pairing it with healthy fats, proteins and fiber containing foods helps further blunt the impact on blood glucose.

Portion Control with Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread

While Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread is a better choice for people with diabetes than white bread, overeating it can still cause blood sugar issues. Portion control is key.

A reasonable serving size is 1-2 slices. Eating a 4-6 inch sandwich on this bread is fine, but going beyond that can add up quickly in carbs and calories.

It's also smart to limit intake of this bread to one meal a day. Pair it with veggies, lean protein and healthy fats rather than consuming it alone.

Glycemic Load Factors In Serving Size

Unlike GI which only looks at quality, glycemic load accounts for quantity too. GL is calculated by multiplying a food's GI by the carb content in a typical serving.

Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread has a GL of 11 per slice. A GL of 10 or under is considered low. So up to two slices has a minimal impact on blood sugar.

Other Tips for Managing Diabetes with Bread

Here are some other tips for picking the best bread options when living with diabetes:

• Look for 100% whole grain as the first ingredient.
• Avoid breads with added sugars or high fructose corn syrup.
• Seek bread with at least 3g fiber per slice.
• Try sprouted grain or sourdough bread for easier digestion.
• Read labels carefully and watch carb counts.
• Limit bread to one meal and 1-2 servings per day.
• Pair bread with protein, healthy fat and veggies.
• Avoid giant sandwiches loaded with bread.

Moderating overall carb intake according to your doctor's recommendations can allow you to work bread into your meal plan.

Drawbacks of Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread

While this bread is a good choice, there are a couple drawbacks to consider:

• Higher calorie/carb than some diabetes-friendly breads.
• Contains some processed ingredients like soybean oil.
• May cause GI discomfort in some people.
• More expensive than regular whole wheat bread.

Breads made from just sprouted whole grains or with sourdough may be gentler on digestion for some. And lower calorie/carb options work better for controlling weight.

Other Bread Considerations

Keep in mind that any bread may pose challenges for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Make sure to get tested if gluten-containing grains cause intestinal distress.

Reading labels is also key if you have nut allergies, as some breads contain nuts and seeds. Look for allergen statements to steer clear of problem ingredients.

Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread Storage

To maintain freshness, store Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread at room temperature in a sealed bag for up to 5 days. Refrigerating can extend the shelf life further.

The bag helps prevent the bread from drying out. You can also place slices in a plastic bag or airtight container for storage.

Avoid freezing Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread, as this alters the texture considerably. Most breads don't hold up well to freezing and thawing.

Visually inspect bread prior to eating and discard at the first sign of mold or staleness. Don't try reviving stale bread by moistening it, as this poses a bacteria risk.

Cost and Availability of Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread

Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread retails for $3-5 per 20oz loaf on average. You can find it in the bread aisle at most major grocery stores such as:

• Safeway
• Kroger
• Publix
• Albertsons
• Stop & Shop
• HEB

Be sure to check the labels and ingredients closely, as Arnold also makes lighter wheat breads that contain more refined grains and less nutritious bran. The 100% Whole Wheat variety offers the most benefits.

Purchasing multiple loaves when they are on sale and freezing them can help save money and ensure you always have diabetic-friendly bread in your kitchen.

Other Brands of 100% Whole Wheat Bread

Some other brands of 100% whole wheat bread you can try are:

• Dave's Killer Bread Organic Whole Wheat
• Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Bread
• Mestemacher Natural Three-Grain Bread
• Alpine Valley Organic 12-Grain Bread
• Trader Joe's Sprouted Whole Grain Bread

Is Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread a Healthy Choice?

Overall, Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread is one of the better bread options for people with diabetes or those looking to control blood sugar and maintain stable energy levels.

Thanks to its fiber content, lack of added sugars, and lower GI, it provides a slower, steadier release of glucose compared to refined wheat products.

Sticking to 1-2 slices per meal, pairing it smartly and practicing portion control can allow you to enjoy sandwiches and toast without spiking blood sugar. Just be sure to inspect labels closely and select 100% whole grain varieties for the greatest benefits.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.