Yes, cinnamon raisin bread is healthy as it’s rather low in cholesterol and saturated fats. Also, cinnamon raisin bread is very rich in antioxidants and is a great source of manganese, selenium, and dietary fiber.
However, note that there are certain health conditions that make cinnamon raisin bread a bad food option for you.
This article explores the various health benefits of cinnamon raisin bread and also highlights the risks associated with it.
What is Cinnamon Raisin Bread?
Cinnamon raisin bread is a bread made with white flour that contains raisins and is flavored with cinnamon. The bread can also be made using other flour types like; oat flour, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, etc.
Other ingredients used in making cinnamon raisin bread include eggs, butter, brown sugar, and/or honey.
Furthermore, cinnamon bread exists in other variations that use ingredients like pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, whiskey, or rum. It can also serve as a dessert to go with your meals.
SEE: Texas Roadhouse Drinks Menu: Enjoy Specialty Drinks At Affordable Prices
What are the Health Benefits of Cinnamon Raisin Bread?
Consuming cinnamon raisin bread, especially when it is made with whole-grain flour, has numerous health benefits.
You can find the following benefits associated with eating cinnamon raisin bread listed below;
Rich in Antioxidants
Cinnamon which is a key ingredient of the cinnamon raisin bread contains antioxidants that prevent oxidative damage and protects your body from free radicals.
Powerful antioxidants like polyphenols are abundantly present in cinnamon compared to other spices like oregano and garlic.
Additionally, these antioxidants are so powerful that they automatically make cinnamons worthy of being natural food preservatives.
SEE: If Pita Bread Is Healthy – All Answer You Didn’t Know You Needed
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Cinnamon raisin bread also boosts your body’s protection against inflammations, repairs tissue damage, and fights infections in the body.
This is a result of the potent anti-inflammatory properties of the antioxidants present in cinnamon.
Reduces the Risks of Heart Diseases
Cinnamon and whole-grain wheat which are major ingredients of cinnamon raisin bread may reduce the risks of stroke or heart diseases.
Furthermore, studies have shown that whole grain food reduces total cholesterol levels like triglycerides and bad LDL cholesterol while balancing the HDL cholesterol.
Helps You Manage Your Weight
When baked with whole grain wheat flour or whole-grain oat flour, cinnamon raisin bread becomes a great food to maintain your weight and lower the risk of obesity.
That is because whole-grain foods are fiber-rich foods that keep you filled for longer, and reduce the tendency for you to overeat. This is a major reason why high-fiber diets are greatly recommended for weight loss.
Furthermore, products made using whole grains are much denser and more filling than those made with refined flour. Always check the label before purchasing your cinnamon raisin bread to see if it’s made with whole-grain flour or white flour.
SEE: If Chicken And Rice Is Weight Loss Friendly
What Allergens are in Cinnamon Raisin Bread?
Egg, wheat, and dairy are common allergens present in cinnamon raisin bread. Hence, if you have a sensitivity to wheat or gluten, or you’re lactose intolerant, this might not be the right bread for you.
In addition, some cinnamon raisin bread recipes contain tree nuts or peanuts, which you should avoid if you have a nut allergy.
SEE: Longhorn Allergen Menu: Delicious Meals And Their Allergen Information
Is Cinnamon Raisin Bread Good For Diabetics?
No, you should avoid cinnamon raisin bread if you have diabetes. This is because cinnamon raisin bread is very sweet and will spike your blood sugar levels.
However, if you must eat cinnamon raisin bread, then make sure it is in little amounts.
You should also avoid cinnamon raisin bread if you have a liver condition or disease. This is because a chemical compound (Coumarin) found in cinnamon can damage the liver in high doses.
SEE: If Diabetics Can Eat Cornbread
How Do You Make Cinnamon Raisin Bread?
You can make cinnamon raisin bread using the following ingredients and preparation methods;
Ingredients
- 5 cups of whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of milk (use skimmed milk if lactose intolerant)
- 1 ½ teaspoon of salt
- ⅔ cup of raisins
- 1 pack of dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
Preparation
- Sift the flour, cinnamon powder, and salt into a large bowl for mixing. Add raisins, sugar, and yeast then stir till it forms a well at the center. Coat your loaf pan lightly with flour and cooking spray.
- Now, gently heat your butter and milk in a saucepan and leave them there till the butter completely melts into a warm mixture of milk and butter. Put them into the large mixing bowl and add the slightly beaten egg to it.
- Properly mix all the ingredients to form your cinnamon raisin bread dough. Now, place the cinnamon raisin dough on a floured surface and knead till it becomes elastic and smooth.
- Now, put the dough into the slightly coated loaf pan you had earlier prepared and cover it with a plastic wrap or clean towel. Also, make sure that this plastic wrap is also coated with cooking spray. Allow the dough to rise or proof in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F once the proofing waiting period is over. Remove the plastic wrap and then coat your dough with milk using a brush. Put the dough-filled loaf pan into the oven and allow it to bake for about 30 minutes.
- You can also cover the loaf pan with foil paper before the baking process completes. Once the baking is complete, allow the cinnamon raisin bread to cool down. Your cinnamon bread is ready to eat and can be wrapped in foil for about 3 days.
FAQs
What dishes can you eat with cinnamon raisin bread?
You can serve your cinnamon raisin bread with classic breakfast meals like; egg and sausage links, eggs and bacon with biscuits, or salads and soups.
Is cinnamon raisin bread vegan-friendly?
No, cinnamon raisin bread is not a vegan-friendly meal as it contains animal products like eggs, butter, and milk.
SEE: If Crème Brûlée Is Gluten-Free and Vegan Friendly
Is Cinnamon raisin bread gluten-free?
No, cinnamon raisin bread is not gluten-free as the flours used in making them contain wheat. You should avoid cinnamon raisin bread if you’re sensitive to gluten or have a wheat allergy.
However, you can bake your own cinnamon bread using gluten-free flours that do not contain wheat, barley, or rye but the flavor might differ from the regular cinnamon raisin bread.
Conclusion
Despite some of the health risks that cinnamon raisin bread poses, it is hard to argue against its nutritional value. It’s essentially just whole wheat bread with extra flavor and a bit more crunch. Since it’s essentially just a healthful, flavorful twist on whole wheat bread, what’s not to like?
Furthermore, as long as you don’t overdo it, cinnamon raisin bread can be an extremely healthy addition to any diet. You can also use them to enjoy a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
However, if you have a liver condition or you’re diabetic, I would recommend that you either eat the cinnamon raisin bread in moderation or totally avoid it. To ensure you enjoy a fiber-rich meal, check the label to see if it was made with whole-grain flour.
Finally, you can explore other healthy bread options if you’re hesitant about cinnamon raisin bread. Find out if the benefits offered by the honey wheat bread are just what your health needs.
I hope you found this article helpful. Thanks for reading.
