Bread, Cinnamon – A Sweet Treat with Moderate Glycemic Impact

Cinnamon bread offers a delightful combination of warm spices and subtle sweetness, making it a popular choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack. However, if you’re monitoring your blood sugar levels, it’s important to understand how this tasty bread fits into your dietary plan.

Glycemic Index and Load

Cinnamon bread has a glycemic index of 70, which places it in the high GI category. Foods with a GI above 70 are considered high, those between 56-69 moderate, and below 55 low.

The glycemic load is 28.63 for a 100g serving, which is also relatively high. While the glycemic index tells us how quickly a food raises blood sugar, the glycemic load takes into account both the quality and quantity of carbohydrates, providing a more comprehensive picture of a food’s actual impact on blood glucose levels.

Nutritional Profile

A 100g serving of cinnamon bread contains:

• Calories: 253
• Protein: 7.05g
• Fat: 5.29g
• Total Carbohydrates: 44.4g
• Fiber: 3.5g
• Sugar: 14.1g
• Net Carbs: 40.9g

Health Considerations

The relatively high glycemic index and load of cinnamon bread indicate that it may cause a significant spike in blood sugar levels, which is an important consideration for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance.

However, cinnamon bread does offer some nutritional benefits. It provides a moderate amount of protein and contains some dietary fiber (3.5g per 100g serving), which can help slow the absorption of sugars and support digestive health.

How to Enjoy Cinnamon Bread Mindfully

• Pair it with protein sources like Greek yogurt or a small amount of nut butter to help reduce the overall glycemic impact
• Consume smaller portions to lower the glycemic load
• Opt for whole grain cinnamon bread varieties when available, as they typically contain more fiber
• Consider eating cinnamon bread as part of a balanced meal rather than as a standalone snack

Conclusion

While cinnamon bread can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, its high glycemic index and moderate glycemic load suggest it should be consumed mindfully, especially for those monitoring blood glucose levels. The presence of fiber helps somewhat mitigate its impact, but portion control remains important when incorporating this sweet bread into your meal plan.