Heart Healthy Corn Bread

Health Ecooks dietitians and health experts are frequently asked: “Is cornbread healthy,” “Is cornbread fattening” or “Is cornbread loaded with sugar”?

All of these are valid questions, and in some cases, the answers are that some commercial cornbread may be fattening and loaded with sugar. But this diabetic recipe is good for you! This diabetic cornbread recipe contains just one tablespoon of honey. Since it calls for cornmeal instead of flour, it has a lower glycemic index and is a good source of fiber, so it’s less likely to spike blood sugar, ensuring it is a good cornbread for diabetics. Here are a few other nutrition facts for this heart healthy cornbread recipe: carbs (21g), fiber (2g), sat fat (0g), protein (3g), sodium (240mg) and calories (114) – that adds up to a better-for-you cornbread can be enjoyed even if you’re following a healthy diet!

Making cornbread is easier than you think! Simply combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. Then add the wet ingredients and stir to combine. Don’t overmix it to keep the finished cornbread light and fluffy. Pour the mixture into a prepared baking pan and bake as instructed or until the top is golden. Following a cornbread recipe is the best way to ensure you use the right ingredients in the appropriate quantities.

Some cornbread recipes contain flour in addition to cornmeal and also contain sugar, maple syrup or honey to add sweetness. Moist and fluffy cornbread recipes may also contain whole milk and butter, which adds to the fat and calorie count. The beauty of making homemade cornbread is that you can control what goes into it so it meets your dietary goals. To make our cornbread recipe healthier, we use just a touch of honey, a bit of olive oil (no butter!), low fat buttermilk and cornmeal only, with no additional flour. This creates a glorious cornbread that is heart healthy and diabetic-friendly. And since cornmeal is a gluten-free grain (just check labels to ensure no cross contamination), it’s a gluten free bread that tastes terrific (here are some other gluten free baking recipes you may also like)!