By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D.
Pita bread is a popular food, often found in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, but is it a healthy choice for your diet? Whether you're using it as a wrap, dipping it in hummus, or making it into a sandwich, pita bread offers convenience and flavor. However, with so many types of bread available, it's worth asking: is pita bread healthier than traditional bread?
Is pita bread healthy or unhealthy?
Pita bread is considered a healthy option because it is typically made from simple ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt. Additionally, pita bread is typically lower in calories than other varieties of bread. When made with whole wheat flour, it is considered to be healthier because it provides fiber, B-vitamins and other minerals. Nutritionally, a typical whole wheat pita contains around 160 calories, 35 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 1 gram of fat and 6 grams of protein.
Is pita bread healthier than bread?
In terms of regular whole wheat bread, two slices contain around 160 calories, 40 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fat, 6 grams of fiber, and 4 grams of protein. When comparing whole wheat pita to whole wheat bread, the nutritional benefits are largely the same – fiber, vitamin, and mineral content are similar. Opting for whole wheat versions of sliced bread and pita bread will be much more nutritionally beneficial than those made with white flour as they have higher fiber and protein content, both which make you feel fuller for longer and reduce snacking. These are important considerations when trying to lose weight.
Is pita bread healthier than rice?
Although whole wheat pita bread and rice serve different nutritional roles in a diet, pita bread is generally healthier in terms of fiber content, protein, and carbohydrate content. Whole wheat pita bread – due to its whole grain content – has more fiber and protein than white rice. White rice is a refined carbohydrate meaning it has minimal fiber. Fiber is an important ingredient that aids in digestion, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and helps you feel fuller for longer. However, if you are gluten intolerant or have a gluten allergy, rice is a healthier option as it does not contain gluten.
Does pita bread have less gluten than regular bread? Is pita bread gluten-free?
Pita bread is made from wheat flour so it is not gluten free. Pita bread and regular bread both have high gluten content because they are made from wheat. Whole wheat options are higher in gluten than refined white flour options.
Is pita bread good for the gut? Is pita bread anti-inflammatory?
Whole wheat pita bread can be beneficial for your gut due to the fiber content from whole grains. Fiber aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut microbiome by feeding the beneficial bacteria in our guts, which can also contribute to anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, the fiber in whole wheat pita bread can help improve blood sugar by slowing digestion. This aids in blood sugar control and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
Is pita bread good for cholesterol? Is pita bread ok for weight loss?
Whole wheat pita bread can be beneficial for cholesterol and weight loss. Pita bread is considered a low-cholesterol food because it doesn’t naturally contain cholesterol. The whole grains present in pita bread increase its fiber content, which also plays a role in helping lower cholesterol. Fiber and protein content is also important for weight loss as these nutrients help slow digestion and aid in helping you feel fuller for longer. This helps reduce snacking and cravings, which is important when trying to lose weight and stay in a caloric deficit.
Does pita bread spike blood sugar? Is pita bread healthy for diabetics?
Pita bread is a suitable choice for those with diabetes, especially when opting for whole wheat varieties. Of course as with any carbohydrate, moderation is key. The GI or glycemic index of pita is 57 making it a medium GI food. GI is an index that measures how quickly a food will spike blood sugar after it is ingested on a scale of 0 to 100.
Can you eat pita bread every day and still be healthy?
Whole wheat pita bread can be enjoyed as a part of any balanced diet. It is important to pair carbohydrates with lean proteins and fruits or vegetables in order to give your body a balance of nutrients. Any food that you enjoy can be worked into your diet daily with portion control and moderation.
Where can I buy the best fresh pita bread online?
At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh baked goods that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular breads include slow-fermented artisanal pita, plain sourdough loaf, and sourdough whole wheat loaf. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.
About the Author
Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
