Considering the ingredients that can go into the making of naan, pita is way healthier than naan. It's lower in sugars, and it also has less fat, whereas naan is high in both fat and calories.
Side-by-side, bread contains a little more fiber and slightly fewer carbs than a pita, making it a somewhat more nutritious option. Pitas are lower in sodium than bread, so that it may be the best option for those eating a low-salt diet.
Pita bread can help reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart diseases and type 2 diabetes. The fibre content in whole grain pita bread is very high and aids digestion. Pita bread is a fulfilling food that increases satiety, which is good for weight loss.
However, regular bread is not that much healthier than pita bread because while it beats pita bread in some areas of nutritional value, it is nearly equal to it in others. For instance, in a 60 gram slice of whole wheat bread, you get 4 grams of fiber, which is almost four times as much as in pita bread.
Pale color with a soft, billowy texture, pita bread offers several health benefits because of its low carbohydrate count, the number of nutrients packed into one serving, and the use of wheat flour as opposed to all-purpose flour.
Toasted Pita Bread
Toasted in the toaster or oven, pita bread can make a more filling alternative to regular toast. Spread jam, butter, hummus, or your favorite spread for a light breakfast or snack.
Potential Drawbacks of Pita Bread
Its high carbohydrate content can affect blood sugar levels and may not align with certain dietary restrictions. Processed Varieties: Some store-bought pita bread may contain additives, preservatives, or high amounts of sodium.
Consuming large amounts of white pita bread with hummus could potentially lead to hyperglycemia. Thus, while hummus and pita bread can be healthy choices in moderation, portion control and the right pairing are key to avoiding spikes in blood glucose levels.
However, both sourdough bread and rye bread are high in prebiotics, especially β-glucan. Prebiotics such as β-glucan nourishes our gut microbes (or healthy gut bacteria), helping to balance our gut microbiomes and improving digestion and metabolism. To get the best health benefits, try Wildgrain's sourdough rye bread!
It's recommended to consume up to one loaf and a half of pita bread per day. Limit this amount to 1 loaf when your meal contains other sources of carbohydrates such as rice, pasta and bulgur.
Pita originated in the Middle East, yet is popular in Eastern Mediterranean countries. These two flatbreads, naan and pita are sometimes mistaken, but they're very different! Naan is thicker and more enriched making it softer. Pitas are a leaner flatbread that is ideal for stuffing with salads, falafel or kebab meat.
Tandoori roti is generally considered a healthier option than Naan as it is made with whole wheat flour and is not typically brushed with butter before serving.
What most people don't realize is, most Indians don't eat naan everyday. It's a treat reserved for special occasions. A healthier alternative that is eaten daily in most indian households, is roti (also called chapati or fulka). It's an unleavened flatbread made of just two ingredients - whole wheat flour and water.
Pita bread can offer a range of health benefits and is a healthier option than white bread. It's high fibre content, use of whole wheat flour, and healthy fats make it a great addition to a balanced diet.
Improves digestion
Whole-grain bread, including pita bread, is fiber-rich and may help improve digestion. They act as a prebiotic, and some research has shown that they help speed up digestion and may help strengthen our gut microbiome allowing better absorption of nutrients.
Pita is surprisingly versatile and a nice light bread to serve alongside any meal. The pocketless variety is most often used in Greek cuisine for souvlaki and gyro sandwiches. The thinner type with pockets is preferred for falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, and other Middle Eastern selections.
Simply scoop thick soups, meats, vegetables or any other food into its pocket and eat. When pita bread is baked flat without allowing it form a pocket, it can be used as a wrap for gyros, falafel and kebabs.
Delicious when served cold or toasted, the Soft Pittas can be enjoyed with a whole host of tasty flavour combinations. Versatile in nature, the Soft Pittas are tailored to suit any mealtime occasion, at home or on the go, ready for the mid-week madness or a mouth-watering lunch during a sunny weekend.
Pita chips are made from pita bread that has been cut into triangles and then baked or fried. For this reason, pita bread is typically lower in fat and calories, plus more versatile. It can be enjoyed as a sandwich substitute or used in place of bread in just about any dish, from wraps to mini pizzas and beyond.
Leafy Greens as a Pita Bread Replacement
Choose a soft lettuce with larger leaves, such as Bibb, butter, red-leaf or green-leaf lettuce, and pull off the outer leaves carefully so they remain intact. Double up the leaves if you need a sturdier wrap.
So, if you're looking for lower-calorie options with less fat, pita is a good choice.
While feta cheese provides you with an excellent source of nutrients like calcium and protein, it also contains high amounts of sodium and saturated fat. Feta is lower in fat than many other cheeses, however, and is considered a reasonable option to eat in moderation.