Arnold Oatnut Bread Benefits for Diabetics and Tips for Adding to Diet

The Benefits of Arnold Oatnut Bread for Diabetics

For people with type 2 diabetes, choosing the right bread can be challenging. The key is to look for breads that are high in fiber and low on the glycemic index. One excellent choice is Arnold Oatnut bread.

Arnold Oatnut bread is made with 100% whole grains, including whole wheat flour and oats. The combination of oats and whole wheat provides a nutritional powerhouse that offers many benefits for diabetics.

High in Fiber

One of the biggest perks of Arnold Oatnut bread is its high fiber content. Each 1-ounce slice contains 3 grams of dietary fiber. This accounts for about 12% of the recommended daily value.

Fiber is a crucial nutrient for managing diabetes. It helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing unhealthy spikes in blood glucose levels. A diet high in fiber has also been linked to better blood sugar control.

The fiber in Oatnut bread comes from both the whole wheat flour and oats. Oats contain a type of soluble fiber known as beta-glucan, which forms a gel-like substance in the gut. This gel slows down digestion and the absorption of glucose.

Lower Glycemic Index

Another reason Arnold Oatnut bread is a great choice for diabetics is its lower glycemic index. The glycemic index is a scale that ranks foods based on how they impact blood sugar levels.

Foods with a higher glycemic index, like white bread, cause a rapid spike in blood sugar and insulin secretion. This is followed by a steep crash. Eating too many high glycemic index foods can be problematic for diabetics.

Arnold Oatnut bread has a glycemic index of 49, which is considered low. For comparison, white bread has a glycemic index around 70-75. The oats, whole grains and fiber in Oatnut bread help slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream.

Choosing low glycemic index foods can promote better long-term blood sugar control for people with diabetes. It may also reduce risk factors for heart disease.

Contains Whole Grains

Arnold Oatnut bread is made with 100% whole grains, including whole wheat flour. Refined grains, like white flour, have had the bran and germ removed during processing. This strips away important nutrients like fiber, B vitamins, iron and magnesium.

Whole grains, on the other hand, contain the entire grain kernel, providing a more complete nutritional package. Studies show that regularly consuming whole grains is linked to lower inflammation, reduced risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure and improved blood sugar control.

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend making at least half your grains whole. Arnold Oatnut bread can help you easily meet this goal.

Contains Oats

In addition to whole wheat flour, Arnold Oatnut bread contains rolled oats. Oats provide an array of health benefits, making them a great choice for diabetics.

Like other whole grains, oats are rich in fiber, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, zinc and antioxidant compounds called avenanthramides. Avenanthramides have anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effects.

Oats contain a specific type of soluble fiber known as beta-glucan, which is responsible for many of oats health benefits. As mentioned earlier, beta-glucan helps slow glucose absorption and keep blood sugar steady.

Eating oats and oat-based products like Oatnut bread can lower LDL cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, decrease inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity.

Tips for Adding Arnold Oatnut Bread to a Diabetes Diet

Arnold Oatnut bread can be an extremely healthy addition to a well-rounded diabetes diet. Here are some tips for incorporating it:

Watch Portion Sizes

While Oatnut bread is nutritious, portions still matter. Stick to 1-2 slices per meal and be mindful of total carbohydrate intake for the day. Count each slice as 15 grams of carbohydrate.

Pair with Protein and Healthy Fats

Eat Oatnut bread alongside sources of lean protein and healthy fats. Combining carbs with protein and fat blunts blood sugar spikes. For example, have it with eggs, peanut butter, avocado or grilled chicken.

Use it for Sandwiches

Arnold Oatnut bread makes a delicious and nutritious base for sandwiches. Some healthy fillings to consider include turkey, roast beef, tuna salad, egg salad and hummus with cucumbers or roasted veggies.

Toast it

Toasting Oatnut bread enhances its flavor and texture. Use it for toast with veggie omelets in the morning or avocado toast as a snack.

Make Bread Crumbs

Stale Oatnut bread can be turned into breadcrumbs by pulsing in a food processor. Whole wheat breadcrumbs provide fiber and minerals. Use them to coat chicken or fish before baking.

Choosing the Best Bread for Diabetes

Besides Arnold Oatnut, several other types of bread can be healthy additions to a diabetes diet. Focus on breads made with 100% whole grains that are high in fiber and low on the glycemic index. Here are some of the top options:

Sprouted Grain Bread

Sprouted grain breads, like Ezekiel bread, are made from whole grains that have been allowed to sprout. Sprouting may increase the bioavailability of nutrients. Sprouted breads typically have more fiber, vitamin C and folate than regular whole grain bread.

Whole Grain Sourdough

Sourdough bread is made using a fermentation process that breaks down some of the starch, making the end product easier to digest. Look for sourdough made with 100% whole wheat. The fermentation helps lower its glycemic index.

100% Whole Wheat

Choose 100% whole wheat breads without added sugars or vegetable oils. The first ingredient should be "whole wheat flour" or "whole grain wheat." They provide the benefits of whole grains and are low on the glycemic index.

Whole Grain Rye

Rye bread made from 100% whole grain rye flour is rich in fiber, iron, zinc, B vitamins and magnesium. It has a low glycemic index, around 50-55. Look for real rye breads like pumpernickel.

Mixed Grain and Seed Breads

Mixed grain breads contain various whole grains like oats, quinoa, buckwheat and barley. Breads with seeds like flax, chia and pumpkin provide extra fiber, protein and healthy fats. Just be sure added sugars are low.

Breads to Avoid with Diabetes

On the flip side, there are several types of bread that should be limited or avoided altogether when you have diabetes:

White Bread

White bread is made with refined grains that have had the bran and germ removed. This depletes fiber and nutrients. The starches are quickly broken down into glucose, causing a rapid spike in blood sugar.

Breads with Added Sugars

Avoid breads with added sugars like high fructose corn syrup, honey, molasses and cane sugar. Added sugars cause blood sugar fluctuations and provide zero nutritional benefit.

Sweet Breads and Muffins

Sweet breads like banana bread and zucchini bread are more like desserts than bread. The same goes for muffins. They are loaded with refined flour, sugars and calories. Have them only occasionally as a treat.

Gluten-Free Breads

Gluten-free breads are made without wheat. Unfortunately most of them have little fiber and are high on the glycemic index. They cause rapid

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.