While enjoying grits for breakfast, a snack, or an anytime meal, have you ever considered the health impacts of it? Grits is a popular Southern cuisine, made from ground corn, and cooked with any hot liquid, such as water, milk, or broth. It is often enjoyed as a breakfast, but the locations and preferences change the way it is enjoyed.
The consistency of grits differs from running consistency to a thick, creamy porridge. The highly adaptable nature and loads of benefits made it popular worldwide. While having this meal, many might have thought about the health benefits and consequences. Is grits healthy? Explore the good and bad sides of grits with us.
Nutritional Profile of Grits
Well, you know, grits provide several nutrients and minerals that are essential for body functioning. But, what all are they, and how much of them is included? Let’s see:
A cup of cooked grits contains,
| Calories | 150 Cal |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 0 |
| Protein | 3.2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
Besides these factors, grits contain
B Vitamins play a vital role in boosting energy and body functioning.
Iron gives strength and provides oxygen to the blood.
With all these essential components, grits are a good source of fiber, that promotes healthy digestion and a healthy gut line. Typically, dietary fiber promotes satiety, which in turn can control the overall intake of calories and food.
The goodness of fiber is that, it can fight with varying blood sugar levels, cardiovascular misfunctioning, and improper gut health. It doesn’t mean that you should only rely on grits for these health issues, but regulated consumption can help you maintain your health.
Presence of Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are mood enhancers and energy boosters. Grits are a good source of it, providing energy to you.
Protein Content
A 3.2 g in one cup serving is not a great amount to claim, but it provides protein in a considerable amount, and you can even pair it with many protein-rich foods.
Fat Content
You are free to add any fat content into grits since it is low in overall fat. But it may vary according to the preparation styles.
Benefits of Grits
Some of the health benefits of grits are:
- Nutritious, because it undergoes a process known as Nixtamalization. It can increase the calcium and iron content.
- A good source of antioxidants helps in preventing cell damage and protects from severe diseases.
- It is gluten-free and is suitable for people with gluten allergy or celiac disease.
- In some people, iron deficiency can cause anemia, but grits are rich in iron and calcium, which can help develop muscle and tissues.
- Complex carbohydrates in grits can help you with consistent energy.
- A lesser fat content helps in incorporating grits into your balanced diet, and you may add your favorite toppings for sufficient fat intake as per health preferences.
What Are the Downsides of Grits?
Whether you are consuming grits as part of a meal, or not, you must make sure of the overall intake or the serving size, which may help you in maintaining weight and calorie intake.
- Since it is processed, it may lose some of the nutrients. Hence, make sure you are including it in your diet.
- Be conscious while adding butter, cheese, or any toppings, because it can change the caloric content. Because calories vary with preparation. Try to add the liquid, toppings, and other ingredients by keeping a count of the calories.
- A high amount of carbohydrates can affect individuals having diabetes.
How to Enjoy It?
Try to add vegetables with essential vitamins and minerals, such as mushrooms, spinach, etc.
Chicken, turkey, shrimp, and beans are the best protein options you can try with grits.
A handful of fresh herbs and spices of your choice can make grits flavorful and even healthy for you.
Grits in Weight Management
The best thing grits can give you is a feeling of fullness after a meal. It can reduce your hunger cues and lower the overall caloric intake, leading to weight loss or managing your weight. While losing weight, you must be in need of sufficient energy, which is instantly provided by the vitamins and nutrients present in grits.
Another factor that helps in managing weight is the serving size and types of toppings added. Pair it with nutritious food, also considering the serving size.
Misconceptions on Grits
- High amounts of carbohydrates in grits, can be harmful.
But, moderate consumption will help you enjoy the goodness of grits, with complex carbohydrates contributing more to your energy.
- Promotes weight gain
Enjoying grits with nutritious vegetables, and toppings helps you manage weight.
- All grits are processed and unhealthy
Choose your variety of grits. There are processed and ground grits. Both are different in nutrient content.
Conclusion
Grits, a pack of essential nutrients and minerals, can be a good choice for your balanced diet. Do remember that, it becomes healthy with the way it is prepared and consumed. Try a moderate amount, though it is healthy, and always consider individual health preferences. Furthermore, be watchful of both the good and bad sides, so that you can customize it on every occasion.
Consider your lifestyle also while going with a balanced diet with grits. Try to add more healthy foods on a day so that, it can help you maintain weight, heart health, etc. A combination of good food and physical activities can lead to healthy well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Grits are high in carbohydrates, hence a diabetic should be mindful of the serving size and the foods paired with it. A high amount of carbs can impact directly on your blood sugar levels.
The sugar content in grits is 1 gram, which is comparatively low when compared to other processed grains.
You can make grits healthy by cooking it with low-fat liquid, topping it with vegetables, lean protein such as chicken, etc.