I recall watching Oprah’s show when I was a freshman at Frostburg State University (yes, I know that admitting this may require that I forfeit my man-card). In one particular episode , she had a “weight loss expert” talking about the bagel as “the perfect diet-food” because it balances carbohydrate, fat, and protein. So, after learning that the bagel was granted? the official stamp of approval by Oprah , I started eating bagels and, admittedly, I loved them. Hindsight being 20/20, I am certain that the decision to quickly follow the advice of this “expert” contributed to the freshman-fifteen that I quickly amassed .
Although my anecdote is interesting (at least to me), it is not scientific proof . A number of years later , researchers put the bagel up against the incredible, edible egg in a head-to-head battle against the bulge . What is interesting is how each of these foods is viewed ; the bagel is commonly perceived as a “health food” while the egg is frequently blamed for Uncle Frank’s unanticipated heart attack. The results are in and let me tell you what happened…
Eggs trumped the bagel!
In this study, egg-eaters:
- Consumed fewer calories within a 24 hour period
- Felt less need to snack during the day
- Lost more weight than the bagel eaters
“But what about cholesterol?” you may ask. Cholesterol and triglycerides were unaffected . In addition, many other studies have found that eggs do not increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, even when consumed very frequently . In fact, most research suggests that bagels are more likely to increase cholesterol than a daily meal of eggs.
Sorry Bagels, you have been tested, tried in the court of science, and been found lacking ! If your favourite weight loss blog or weight loss podcast is touting bagels as “The Ultimate Weight Loss Food”, you may want to drop them an email or two. And Oprah, if you are reading this, we all still love you, just be a little more careful with your advice next time.
(Experimental Biology Conference, April 2009)
