For diarrhea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal problems, many people like to reach for rusks. But why is rusk good for diarrhea? Is rusk really healthy? And what is the rusk diet all about? In the following article, you will learn what is in the crispy pastry.
Nutrients in rusk
Rusk is a yeast pastry and as such is comparatively low in vitamins and minerals. It consists of about 70 percent carbohydrates. Average nutritional values of rusk per 100 g:
- 72.3 g carbohydrates
- 7.2 g fat
- 13.5 g protein
- 253 mg sodium
- 245 mg potassium
- 36 mg magnesium
- 2.72 mg iron
- 4.625 mg vitamin B3 (niacin)
Compared to crispbread, rusk contains more fat and slightly less minerals such as potassium, sodium and magnesium.
Is rusk healthy or unhealthy?
As is often the case, this question comes down to a number of factors. While a single food may be more likely to be healthy or more likely to be unhealthy, the entire diet must always be considered. As a sole food, rusk is not suitable over a long period of time because it does not contain all the necessary nutrients. However, in the case of acute complaints of the digestive tract, rusk is best suited as a sparing diet. If only a few days are spent eating only rusks, there is usually no direct nutrient deficiency. However, the exclusive consumption of rusks is only advisable if it is indicated for medical reasons (for example, because of diarrhea). 10 healthy types of bread
Not suitable for diabetes and celiac disease.
Because rusk contains sugar and other short-chain carbohydrates, it is only suitable for diabetics to a limited extent. They should generally better reach for pumpernickel, whole-grain crispbread or similar. Diabetes can damage the nerves (neuropathy) and this can also affect the digestive tract. Diabetics should therefore consult a doctor if they experience stomach or intestinal problems. In its conventional form, rusk contains gluten. The gluten is found in most common cereals, including wheat. Anyone suffering from celiac disease, i.e. an intolerance to this protein, or who wants to avoid gluten for other reasons, can choose gluten-free rusks. Vegan and lactose-free alternatives are also available.
Acrylamide in rusks
Rusk contains acrylamide. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), this substance increases the risk of cancer. It is formed by chemical processes when starchy foods are heated to over 120 degrees. However, the acrylamide content of a food can be reduced by using gentle preparation methods. Corresponding EU regulations have been binding since 2018. Now, manufacturing companies must adhere to specifications regarding the recipe and preparation. However, there are no prescribed upper limits for the acrylamide content of a food, only guideline values. The EU specifications are therefore controversial.
Why is rusk good for diarrhea?
The ingredients of rusk and the double baking process make it particularly digestible. Therefore, rusk is the suitable food for gastrointestinal complaints such as:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Gastritis
In acute discomfort, such as caused by an upset stomach, is indicated Schonkost. As such, rusk is very suitable: due to the low fat content, it is easily digestible. Because it is a dry cookie, it has a constipating effect on excessively liquid stools and is therefore a popular home remedy for diarrhea.
What else should be considered?
In addition to eating rusks, sufferers of gastrointestinal problems should make sure they drink enough fluids. The popular combination of rusk with milk is less suitable in such cases. It is better to use water, an electrolyte solution or unsweetened tea – ideally chamomile or peppermint tea. If symptoms persist for more than three days, blood or mucus in the stool, fever or circulatory problems, a doctor should be consulted. Those who have fasted for several days or have not eaten solid food for other reasons can also resort to rusks to accustom the digestive system to regular food again.
How many calories have rusk?
Rusk got its name from the way it is prepared: it is baked twice. The double baking process reduces the moisture in the rusk. It is the solid components that make up the energy content. Rusk contains about 40 kcal per slice, depending on the manufacturer. Compared to other types of bread, rusk is a calorie bomb with so many calories per piece. In addition, it is “empty” calories, so to speak. The rusk does provide a lot of energy, but mainly in the form of simple carbohydrates. The satiety provided by this type of carbohydrate quickly fizzles out. In addition, simple carbohydrates cause blood sugar levels to rise sharply at first and then drop rapidly.
What is the zwieback diet?
So it seems all the more surprising that there is a zwieback diet. This weight loss method is a crash diet. This means that you can lose weight quickly with it, but at the same time you have to make heavy sacrifices. Besides rusks, only a few other foods are allowed, such as low-fructose fruits like papaya and apricot, and eggs. This monotony often makes it difficult to stick with the diet at all. The additional foods allowed serve to increase the nutritional value of the meals.
The disadvantages of the zwieback diet
Radical weight loss stresses the body. If you change your diet back to “normal” after the diet, the lost kilos are usually quickly back on it – often you even weigh more after some time than before the diet (so-called yo-yo effect). If the body receives only little food, it starts an emergency program and adjusts the metabolism. After that, it takes a long time for the metabolism to function normally again. During this time, the organism tries to accumulate lots of stores for the next emergency. In this way, new fat deposits are quickly formed. If you want to lose weight, you should change your diet for the long term. In this way, the kilos do not tumble as quickly, but there is a significantly greater chance that the desired weight loss will be permanent. If one considers despite these risks and disadvantages a crash diet such as the zwieback diet, one should speak about it in advance with the attending physician.
Rusk for children: from when?
Many remember rusks from their childhood – one of the most famous brands is certainly Brandt
. A slice as a snack in between was and is practical. Especially on trips or journeys, rusk is an uncomplicated and popular provision because it does not spoil easily and does not need to be refrigerated. Baby rusks are recommended by manufacturers for children as young as six months. At this age, little ones are especially fond of rusk porridge or rusk with milk.
What is the shelf life of rusks?
Rusk, like most other foods, should be stored in a dry place. It will last especially long if stored in an airtight container. Over time, the rusk may lose its crispness, but then it is not yet spoiled. Since shelf life depends on storage, you should look at the appearance, smell and taste of the food to judge whether the rusk is still edible. However, rusk is not perishable. Under the right conditions, it has a very long shelf life.
What all is in rusk?
The rusk is a yeast pastry. In its original form, it contains:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Yeast
- Fat
- Milk
Therefore, it is not very difficult to make rusks yourself. The classic recipe can be supplemented with other ingredients, depending on taste and needs. If the rusk is not a soft food, but as a snack in between, you can refine the dough, for example, with spices, coconut flakes or a chocolate coating. Dried fruit or nuts can also be added. The type of flour is also a matter of taste. For example, rusk with spelt is also very popular.
The history of rusk
Already the ancient Romans and Greeks knew a pastry that was baked twice. It was then known as “panis frixus” and “dipyritai”. A great advantage of rusk is its long shelf life. It led to the fact that he became popular travel provisions. Therefore, in the past, rusks were often on the menu of sailors and soldiers.