Khaberni - Eating a single croissant can easily raise blood sugar levels. According to the "Very Well Health" website, some experts say that cooling the croissant increases resistant starch, which can reduce the spike in blood sugar, but experts say the difference is minimal.
Croissants are tasty pastries made from flour, milk, water, sugar, salt, and butter. Like many pastries, croissants are typically rich in carbohydrates and fats, with few other essential nutrients.
Croissant Contents
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a medium-sized croissant weighing 57 grams contains the following:
• Calories: 231
• Protein: 4.7 grams
• Fat: 12 grams
• Carbohydrates: 26.1 grams
• Fiber: 1.5 grams
• Sugars: 6.4 grams
Croissants are foods with a high glycemic index, meaning they contain carbohydrates that cause a quick rise in blood sugar.
Cooling the Croissant
Some believe that one way to reduce the rise in blood sugar is to cool the croissant before eating it. Professor Heewon Gray, a nutritionist and associate professor at "Southern University" Florida, stated, "When bread or pastries like croissants are cooled, the gelatinized starch molecules, especially amylose, begin to reconnect and crystallize to form a more structured construction."
Nutrition experts refer to this type of starch as "resistant starch," meaning resistant to digestion, which does not raise blood sugar levels but serves as fuel for beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Studies have shown that cooling some carbohydrate-rich foods, such as rice, can significantly increase the level of resistant starch. However, when it comes to croissants, research indicates that cooling does not necessarily show the same benefits.
Gray added that "the total available starch percentage to decrease in croissants is limited," therefore the difference is minimal.
Butter in Croissants
The amount of fat in croissants - from butter in this case - can also play a role in raising blood sugar levels.
Gray explained, "When refined carbohydrates are part of mixed dishes with high fat or fiber content, the rise in blood sugar can be reduced." However, croissants may be an exception to this rule. According to Gray, the glycemic index of croissants remains high, meaning that the butter in them does not significantly improve blood sugar levels. To improve blood sugar levels, it is preferable to eat a balanced meal containing a little of everything.
In this regard, Amanda Suseida, a nutritionist and lecturer at "California State University," said, "If the croissant is eaten with a little protein, such as cheese or eggs, it will have a better effect on blood sugar levels."
To reduce blood sugar
Suseida added, "If [the individual] is particularly concerned about blood sugar levels, the best thing to do is to reduce the amount of croissant."
She recommended eating a smaller amount of croissants, thus enjoying the flavor without affecting blood sugar levels.
Gray pointed out that food options made from whole grains and nuts, or even added protein, are also great alternatives for controlling blood sugar levels.
Gray said, "Whole grain toast with nut butter, plain Greek yogurt with fruit, or oatmeal topped with seeds and berries are better simple breakfast options."
