Approved by Dr. Thomas Dwan
Save
Jump to
- Short answer
- Long answer
- FAQs
- Side effects
- Ingredients
- Benefits
- Alternatives
Short answer
Yes, excessive consumption of waffles that are made with white flour is bad for you. Their high carbohydrate content contributes to weight gain and other chronic conditions.
Letter Grade for Waffles
D
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
A+
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
A
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circ*mstances such as an allergic reaction.
A-
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
B+
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
B
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
B-
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
C+
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
C
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
C-
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
D+
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
D
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
D-
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
F
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
N
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Waffles are made from a batter similar to pancake batterpouredinto a heated metal mold. The result is basically a fancy pancake that can hold syrup in a pattern of indentations. Unfortunately, because many people make waffles with white flour, or purchase pre-made frozen waffles-- topped with butter and sugary syrups, waffles can become a problematic part of the breakfast diet.
A typical recipe for waffles contains white flour, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, baking powder, oil, eggs, vanilla, and salt. White flour is a refined grain, which contains hardly any fiber. Any vitamins found in the flour are synthetic, giving minimal nutrition. White flour in any form can boost your risk of heart disease because it negatively impacts your blood sugar. The average pair of waffles has 30 grams of carbs and only 1.5 grams of fiber. With the daily limit of refined carbs at 25, one waffle breakfast can blow your carb intake for the day.
Then there are the toppings. Most people smother their waffles with large amounts of butter andsugary syrup. Many waffle/pancake syrups are made from high fructose corn syrup, which overloads your system with heavily processed sugar. The blood sugar spike triggers your body to create insulin and store fat. The high levels of sugar also increase inflammation in the body, leading to numerous long-term conditions.
Opting for the convenience of frozen waffles adds in harmful processing chemicals and generally genetically modified flour and corn (corn syrup). Some opt to substitute sugary syrups for sugar-free versions. Loaded with artificial sweeteners, sugar-free options in any food or beverage should be avoided. Though excessive amounts of butter can add unwanted fat, substituting butter for artificial butter-flavored spreads or margarine is always a bad idea! Substituting real ingredients for heavily processed ingredients is typically a recipe for disaster. A better option is to use pure maple syrup and butter in modest amounts.
Eating waffles occasionally is unlikely to cause grave health effects. However, making it part of your regular breakfast routine will have unwanted long-term effects. Research has found that sugary breakfast foods cause a quick ‘sugar high’ followed by a sleepiness. They also satisfy hunger for a shorter period of time when compared tohealthier breakfast foods. For a great start to your day, choose a high protein breakfast combined with a piece of fruit. The fructose in the fruit is not bad for your body in moderation.
Possible short-term side effects
- blood sugar spikes
- insulin spikes
- fat storage
- bloating
- sugar high/low (syrups)
- increased hunger
Possible long-term side effects
- heart disease
- obesity
- inflammation
- diabetes ii
Ingredients to be aware of
- white flour
- sugar
- high fructose corn syrup
- artificial sweeteners (sugar-free syrups)
- sodium
- gmos
Benefits
- flavorful
- convenient (frozen varieties)
Healthier alternatives
- homemade whole wheat flour waffles
- waffles made with almond or coconut flour
- using modest amounts of butter and syrup
- topping waffles with fresh fruit
Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)
Kodiak High-Protein Oatmeal
- High in protein
- 100% whole grains
- Chocolate chip flavor
- Convenient packets
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 07-13-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 07-13-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
As a nutrition and health enthusiast with a deep understanding of dietary choices and their impact on well-being, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of informed decision-making when it comes to our food intake. My expertise in this domain is substantiated by a comprehensive knowledge of nutritional science, dietary guidelines, and the long-term effects of various food components on the human body.
The article in question, focusing on the health implications of consuming waffles made with white flour, aligns with my expertise in nutritional analysis. The grading system employed, ranging from 'A' to 'F,' is a commonly used method to evaluate the overall health impact of specific foods. It considers factors such as nutritional content, potential side effects, and long-term consequences.
Now, delving into the information provided in the article:
-
Short Answer:
- The excessive consumption of waffles made with white flour is deemed harmful (Grade D), with the primary concern being their high carbohydrate content leading to weight gain and other chronic conditions.
-
Grading System:
- The grading system categorizes items from 'A' to 'F,' with 'A' indicating very healthy options, 'B' being beneficial with some precautions, 'C' indicating a balance of good and bad qualities, 'D' representing items that are more harmful than beneficial, and 'F' for items that are very harmful.
-
Long Answer:
- The article details the process of making waffles and highlights the potential health risks associated with using white flour, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and other ingredients. It emphasizes the negative impact of refined carbs on blood sugar and the risk of heart disease.
-
Ingredients to be Aware of:
- White flour, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, sodium, and GMOs are mentioned as ingredients that can have adverse effects on health.
-
Short-term and Long-term Side Effects:
- Short-term side effects include blood sugar spikes, insulin spikes, fat storage, bloating, sugar high/low (from syrups), and increased hunger. Long-term side effects encompass heart disease, obesity, inflammation, and type II diabetes.
-
Benefits:
- The article acknowledges that waffles can be flavorful and convenient, especially when opting for frozen varieties.
-
Healthier Alternatives:
- Healthier alternatives include homemade whole wheat flour waffles, waffles made with almond or coconut flour, and using modest amounts of butter and syrup. Topping waffles with fresh fruit is also suggested.
-
Wellness Pick:
- The article recommends Kodiak High-Protein Oatmeal as a wellness pick, highlighting its high protein content, use of 100% whole grains, and convenient packaging.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article aligns with established principles of nutrition and health. It underscores the significance of mindful food choices, moderation, and opting for healthier alternatives to mitigate potential adverse effects on long-term well-being.
