Garlic bread is among restaurants’ most popular and frequently ordered side dishes. It pairs perfectly with any food due to its delicious taste. However, despite its widespread popularity, people wonder, Is garlic bread healthy for you?
What is garlic bread?
Garlic bread is a yummy bread that goes well with Italian food. It’s made with sour bread, like ciabatta or baguettes, and has olive oil, butter, and garlic on it. Sometimes, people add herbs and spices. It’s toasted in the oven or on the grill.
Different kinds of garlic bread with cheese, such as parmesan, feta, cheddar, or mozzarella, exist. Some people use butter instead of olive oil.
Is garlic bread healthy for you?
Garlic bread is not very healthy because it has a lot of unhealthy things in it, like too much fat and carbs. Making garlic bread with healthier ingredients like whole-wheat bread and olive oil is better if you want garlic bread. But it’s important not to eat too much of it. Eat other healthy foods, like salad, and enjoy garlic bread as a treat.
Nutritional Facts of Garlic Bread
Now, let us focus on garlic bread. So, what does the average nutritional value of garlic toast look like? The nutritional value of garlic bread per 100g is
Calories and Nutrients (per 100g) | Amount |
Calories (kcal) | 350 |
Net Carbs (g) | 39.2 |
Fiber (g) | 2.5 |
Sugar (g) | 3.69 |
Fats (total) | 16.6 |
Protein (g) | 8.36 |
Cholesterol (mg) | 0 |
High in calories
Garlic bread is a popular side dish with seafood or pasta. However, knowing that a single slice of garlic bread contains 206 calories is important. Combined with the main course, this can easily exceed your daily calorie limit.
High in fat
Garlic bread is also high in fat due to the butter it contains. The fat content remains high even if you substitute the butter with olive oil or ghee. Olive oil and ghee are healthier as they contain less saturated fat. However, ghee’s effectiveness still needs to be fully confirmed.
High in sugar and carbohydrates
Bread is high in carbohydrates and sugar, depending on the type. It’s important to choose quality bread that is sugar-free and high in fiber to maximize the nutritional benefits of garlic bread. Avoid frozen garlic bread products, which contain artificial flavorings and lack fresh garlic’s benefits.
Minerals and vitamins
Garlic is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including sulfur compounds and antioxidants, which are highly beneficial for your health. Whether you consume it whole or as a roasted paste, garlic provides various health benefits.
How to Make Garlic Bread?
To make garlic bread:
- Start by cutting a ciabatta or baguette in half and brushing it with a mixture of garlic and olive oil.
- Fill the cuts with minced garlic and olive oil, then grill or bake them until they’re crispy. If you prefer, you can use garlic powder and butter instead of minced garlic and olive oil.
- Cut the bread into thick slices, brush them with butter, sprinkle with garlic powder, and bake until crispy.
- Serve your garlic bread with your favorite meals.
Is garlic bread healthy for you? Explore some potential benefits
Overall, garlic bread may not be the healthiest food option, but it does contain garlic, which has potential health benefits. Garlic bread is a popular side dish enjoyed by many people worldwide. Garlic bread has potential health benefits.
- One of the main health benefits of garlic bread is that it contains garlic, a natural antibiotic. Garlic has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that can help boost the immune system and fight infections.
- Garlic also has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation. This can be beneficial for people with conditions such as arthritis.
- In addition, garlic is rich in antioxidants that protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to developing diseases such as cancer.
- Finally, studies have found that garlic can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
- Garlic, which helps lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, could help those at risk of cardiovascular disease. This is true for both raw and roasted garlic.
- Garlic bread provides vitamin C, essential for a stronger immune system to fight invaders and pathogens.
Side Effects of Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is generally considered a healthy and safe food option. However, eating too much of it or having it too often can pose some health risks.
- One possible concern is that garlic bread often contains high calories, fat, and sodium. This can lead to health problems such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and other issues if consumed excessively.
- Another potential issue is that garlic can be difficult to digest for some people, leading to bloating, gas, and other digestive discomfort. This can be a problem if you eat a lot of garlic bread.
- In addition, some people with certain medical conditions or dietary restrictions may be unable to eat garlic bread. For instance, people with gluten intolerance should avoid garlic bread made with wheat flour, while those with lactose intolerance should avoid garlic bread made with cheese.
Notably, these health risks are not unique to garlic bread and apply to many other foods. Remember to eat everything in moderation, and if you have any health concerns or questions about your diet, talk to your healthcare provider.
Alternatives to Garlic bread
Garlic bread has healthier alternatives. So, you’ve decided there are better things than garlic bread, which isn’t for you. So, don’t worry. You can still have your carbs and consume them (in moderation, at least). Here are some healthier alternatives to garlic bread:
- Low-fat Fat Vegan garlic bread
- Garlicky Tortillas
- Low-Calorie Garlic Bread
- Cauliflower Garlic Bread
Garlic Bread vs. Alternative (Texas Toast)
Garlic bread | Texas Toast |
Usually, prepared toasting slices of French bread and baguettes | It contains 34.8g of carbohydrates |
Garlic butter is spread on one side of the slice | Garlic butter is spread on both sides of the slice |
Contains 39.2 g of carbohydrates | Contains 34.8g of carbohydrates |
Contains 16.6g of fat | Contains 15.2g of fat |
It has a lower amount of protein, with 8.36g per serving | It has 10.9g of protein per serving because of the added cheese |
It has a lower amount of protein, with 8.36g per serving | Mostly prepared with garlic powder mixed with butter |
Read More: The complete guide to Is chicken kebab healthy?
FAQ’s:
Is it possible to consume too much garlic bread?
Excessive intake is not advised because it can cause stomach issues, poor breath, and other health concerns.
What foods go well with garlic bread?
Garlic bread pairs well with popular Italian foods such as spaghetti, lasagna, and linguini. Salads and soups can also be eaten with garlic bread.
What are some nutritious alternatives to classic garlic bread?
Whole-grain breads, garlic-roasted veggies, and garlic as a spice on whole-grain pasta or brown rice are healthier alternatives to classic garlic bread.
Can garlic bread cause headaches?
If you are sensitive to garlic, it may cause headaches.
Final words
Finally, how healthy is garlic bread? The quick answer is no. However, garlic bread can occasionally be eaten if cooked with excellent ingredients.
Avoid frozen garlic bread and restaurant types, and always bake it at home to enjoy the advantages.