Halva: benefits and harm to the human body

There is hardly a person who has not tried halva. One can safely say that almost everyone loves this sweetness. The homeland of this dessert is Iran, and the literal translation is “sweetness”. The history of halva totals more than 7 thousand years. The success of the product lies in the fact that it has a long shelf life, while it does not require special conditions.

It is interesting! Going on a long journey, the ancient Iranians always took halva with them, because it is nutritious and quickly satisfies hunger.

What is halva and how is it made

If we talk about what this wonderful dessert is, it is, in fact, a mixture of various seeds and nuts. The basis is the protein mass of Pancake week crops and caramelized sugar. The latter is used in industrial production, at home it can be replaced with honey.

Structure:

1. Protein mass, which is a paste of grated seeds or nuts.
2. Caramel mass, usually caramelized sugar, molasses or honey.
3. Foaming agent, which is used to give halva porosity and structure. Most often this is the root of the marshmallow or licorice.

How to make halva
Cooking halva takes place in several stages:

1. Cleaning seeds or nuts.
2. Dry and fry until golden brown. The moisture content should not exceed 2%.
3. Shredding. The seeds are ground to a paste-like state of gray color.
4. Cooking caramel. Caramel is prepared from molasses, sugar or honey, to which licorice root is added.
5. Mix of caramel and paste from seeds.
6. Cooling down. After that, the product is ready for use.

Views

Protein mass can be prepared from grated sunflower seeds, peanuts or sesame seeds. Therefore, there are several types of halva, depending on the application of a product:

1. Sesame - from the grated seeds of this plant prepare tahini halva, which is common in the Middle East and the Balkans, partly in the south of the former USSR.
2. Sunflower seeds - halva is made from these seeds, which is known to almost everyone who lives in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, as well as in some countries of Eastern Europe.
3. Peanuts - it is clear that such halva is called peanut. Often there is a peanut-tahini halva, which is a mixture of peanuts and sesame seeds. Also, instead of caramelized sugar, honey is often used in it.
4. Nuts - they are the basis for nut halva. It can be walnut kernels, pistachios, almonds, etc.

How much can you eat halva per day

First of all, answering this question, you should remember the main thing: halva is a dessert. Therefore, despite its taste and useful properties, you should not use it as a main dish, otherwise you can cause some harm to the body. After all, it contains about 25% of its mass in its composition.

Also, do not eat it regularly, but only from time to time - 20-30 g per day. This will help to avoid getting extra calories and appreciate the wonderful oriental sweetness.

Composition and calorie content

If we talk about sunflower halva, then its energy value is about 500-550 kcal.

The ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in 100 g of product:

• Squirrels - 10-12 g.
• Fats - 27–32 g.
• Carbohydrates - 50-60 g.

As for other species, the composition and energy value will be approximately the same.

The main value of halva is dietary fiber. The problem of most people living in the city, especially at the end of winter and the beginning of spring, is considered to be the lack of dietary fiber, which significantly affects the work of the digestive tract and other organs.

So, the daily norm for an adult is about 40 g, and for this you need to eat at least 500 g of vegetables and fruits per day. 100 g halva contains about 10 g of dietary fiber, which is approximately 1/4 of the daily norm. In addition, they are not digested in the stomach, but are processed in the intestine, thereby improving the digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Lack of dietary fiber can lead to such problems:

• constipation and the formation of polyps;
• impaired liver function;
• the formation of tumors in the digestive tract;
• expansion of veins;
• dysbiosis;
• the formation of stones in the gallbladder;
• hemorrhoids.

By taking halva in moderate doses periodically, all this can easily be avoided.

Since the dessert contains seeds and nuts that are not subjected to significant heat treatment, halva contains elements and vitamins that are important for life.

Vitamins

1. Vitamin PP The importance of this substance lies in the fact that it is directly involved in most oxidative processes. So, it contributes to normal digestion, protects the cardiovascular system, dilates blood vessels and reduces the risk of blood clots. In addition, vitamin PP prevents the occurrence of such a dangerous ailment as pellagra, which is accompanied by confusion, hallucination and vomiting. Today, doctors attribute vitamin PP or nicotinic acid to a medicine, without it, restoration processes in the human body are impossible.
2. Vitamin B1. B1 or thiamine is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats in cells. In addition, it has a positive effect on brain function, promotes concentration, bone formation, improves muscle function and protects cells from toxic effects.
3. Vitamin B2. B2 or riboflavin is also called the "vitamin of youth." Its deficiency affects life expectancy and can lead to visual impairment, disruption of the digestive tract and nervous system. A sufficient amount of vitamin B2 has a positive effect on the skin condition, it burns sugar and is involved in energy processes.

Micro and macro elements

1. Iron. 100 g halva contains about 30 mg of iron - an element that is so important for every person. The fact is that it participates in the process of respiration, namely, in the oxidation and delivery of oxygen to each cell. That is why for health this is the number one element. Symptoms of its lack are lethargy and constant fatigue. The daily norm is 10-15 mg.
2. Potassium. This element is contained in almost all cells of the body, and without it normal operation is simply impossible. He takes part in the work of the cardiovascular system, the proper functioning of the brain, relieves spasms and muscle pain, and also regulates the water balance in the body. Its deficiency can lead to malfunctions in the functioning of the heart and adrenal glands, spasms and the development of atherosclerosis. Despite the fact that it is found in many products, you should carefully monitor a balanced diet, since when you use a large amount of salt or preservatives, its amount in the body can significantly decrease.
3. Magnesium. Like potassium, magnesium is found in the cells and tissues of the body. A person feels its lack quickly, it manifests itself in fatigue and dizziness, rapid fatigue, nightmares, etc. Without a sufficient amount of this element, the immune system cannot function normally, which is quite dangerous.
4. Phosphorus. This element is crucial for the metabolism of nutrients at the cellular level. He also takes a direct part in the formation of dental and bone tissue.Its deficiency can lead to arthritis, loss of strength and depression.
5. Sodium. This element is very important because it maintains a normal level of water balance in the human body. Its peculiarity is that it is quite easily and quickly excreted, therefore, maintaining it at a certain level is important for normal development and growth.

What is useful sunflower halva

For women

The benefit of any product for women is the presence of vitamins and beneficial elements that are easily absorbed by the body. This quality has halva from sunflower seeds.

1. So, it contains dietary fiber, which contribute to the absorption of food, as well as protein and vitamins of youth.
2. Due to the fact that halva contains substances that are directly involved in oxidative processes, it helps to achieve healthy and beautiful skin, as well as stimulate the growth of hair and nails. Regular use will contribute to skin elasticity, hair will become smooth and soft, and nails will stop breaking.
3. It can be included in diets. Halva can replace many “harmful” desserts, because it is not a source of excess calories.
4. Vitamin E, which is enough in this dessert, will help to cope with difficulties in conception. This feature was noticed in ancient times. Then many concubines of the Sultan tried to eat as much halva as possible in order to give birth to an heir.

Based on the foregoing, the best “snack” for every woman will be a small piece of halva. It will help to improve the appearance, brain activity, attention, improve mood.

For men

Speaking about the benefits of halva for men, it is worth noting that it contains potassium, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the human cardiovascular system. It is no secret that after 40 years, many representatives of the stronger sex have a risk of developing heart diseases, heart attacks and strokes. Regularly eating halva in moderation, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of these ailments and their consequences.

It also “nourishes” the muscles thanks to the presence of vitamin D, and vitamin E provides lush hair. In addition, halva is an excellent aphrodisiac, and men who regularly eat this dessert have no problems with potency.

During pregnancy

Any doctor will say that during pregnancy it is necessary to include as many products containing useful substances in the diet as possible. That is why halva as a dessert will be so useful to expectant mothers due to the presence in it of many important vitamins, macro- and microelements. Folic acid, which is so necessary for the normal development of the unborn child, will play a special role.

However, as elsewhere, there are some features that should be considered:

1. Do not use halva if your mother has an allergic reaction to the products that make up her.
2. It is worth remembering that halva is a fairly high-calorie product, and you can’t eat a lot of it. Also, it should be alternated with other desserts and not eat every day.
3. In the later stages, halva, as well as other sweets, should be abstained, as it can provoke a malfunction in the digestive tract, weight gain and bloating.

When breastfeeding

When breastfeeding, foods that are beneficial to the mother's body will positively affect the health of the baby. In particular, halva has healing and wellness properties, it also increases the energy value of breast milk. However, the sunflower seeds contain an allergen, so you should be careful.

Doctors recommend introducing a small amount of halva into the diet when breastfeeding and monitoring the baby's condition. If allergy symptoms appear, you should immediately stop eating it. It is also worth remembering that the product is quite “heavy” for the baby in the first months of life.

For children

Halva for children is an excellent treat, it can be given both as a dessert or as a snack.There are many opinions about the age at which halva can be given to a child: some parents begin to include it in the child’s diet starting from 2 years old, others much later. However, pediatricians recommend giving it to food from 3 years old.

Use halva for children:

• fairly easy to digest;
• contains many useful elements and vitamins;
• enhances brain function and alertness;
• restores energy;
• improves vascular condition and heart function;
• updates cells;
• improves the general condition of the skin, hair and teeth;
• improves mood and energizes;
• improves the digestive tract and removes toxins.

Sesame halva: benefits and harms

Sesame halva is the same as tahini, but many perceive them as two separate products. A distinctive feature of sesame halva is that it contains more than 30% fatty acids, so it deserves special attention.

Useful properties of sesame halva:

1. The presence of sodium, potassium and iron in the composition contributes to the normalization of the cardiovascular system of the body. Fatty acids prevent the accumulation of cholesterol.
2. The presence of potassium, phosphorus and calcium makes halva indispensable for problems with bone tissue. It is enough to eat about 30 g to provide a quarter of the daily norm of the necessary elements. For children, this product is very useful, as it helps in the formation of bones, cartilage and teeth.
3. Due to the presence of a large amount of iron, doctors recommend using sesame halva with anemia.
4. The presence of a powerful antioxidant in the form of vitamin A contributes to the integrated health of the body.

Possible harm
Despite its beneficial properties, halva can sometimes be harmful to health and even cause illness. Therefore, it must be included in the diet carefully.

What you need to know:

1. Seeds of sesame and soap root can cause an allergic reaction, so in case of individual intolerance to these products, you should refrain from eating.
2. Halva contains a lot of sugar, which may be the result of diathesis.
3. In case of metabolic disorders, halva should be discarded, since it is quite high-calorie.
4. If you abuse the dessert, then it can cause metabolic disorders.

The benefits and harms of peanut halva

Peanut halva is considered an oriental sweet, because it is peanuts that are used in cooking in its homeland.

The value of this halva lies directly in the peanut itself, which transfers all its useful properties to it:

1. Peanut halva contains an extremely small amount of cholesterol. In addition, it contains fatty acids that remove cholesterol from the body and prevent it from accumulating.
2. Peanuts have many powerful antioxidants that have a comprehensive positive effect on the health of the whole body.
3. Peanuts are very useful for brain function, as linoleic acid provides the formation of new cells.
4. Peanuts have a positive effect on the general hormonal background in the body of any woman and increase the chances of having a baby.

Possible harm
It is important to note that peanut halva can be harmful if consumed in unlimited quantities. Do not forget about peanuts, which are quite high-calorie in itself: 100 g of this product contains about 500 kcal.

Is it possible to eat halva with weight loss

Nutritionists are unanimous in their opinion that halva, and any, is the most wholesome dessert. However, do not be mistaken about weight loss. As already mentioned, halva is a fairly high-calorie product, so you need to use it very carefully, because it's difficult to call it dietary.At the same time, it contains a lot of dietary fiber and fiber, so it is ideal for a snack, even with a strict diet.

If we talk about which halva is the most dietary, then this, of course, is almond. It contains a minimum amount of fat, and taste is much higher than in sesame or sunflower halva.

It should also be noted that halva is perfectly absorbed by the body. Based on the foregoing, we can safely say that it can be eaten with weight loss, but do not abuse the product. In this case, the daily norm should not exceed more than 40-60 g.

Halva in medicine

With diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is an ailment that is characterized by an increased blood sugar content due to the decreased production of insulin by the body. In addition to the course of treatment, a strict diet should be followed for the treatment of the disease. Many foods containing carbohydrates may be banned.

As for halva, it also can not be consumed with diabetes. However, if instead of sugar, molasses or honey, fructose was used in the manufacture, then it is not only possible, but also diabetics need to eat. In this case, patients will receive the same complex of vitamins and nutrients as if they were using ordinary halva, which is important when undergoing treatment and following a strict diet.

Important: the glycemic index of halva sunflower - 70 units.

With pancreatitis

With pancreatitis, the gastric gland practically does not fulfill its function, so it is absolutely impossible to use halva in the acute phase of the disease. The body simply can not cope with the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates. Also, nuts or seeds stimulate the production of pancreatic juice, which is extremely undesirable for the disease. In this case, fiber is also a danger.

In the remission phase, halva should be eaten in small quantities, since it is rich in various useful elements that are so necessary during this period. However, you need to be very careful and you should consult a doctor before use, since halva can lead to an exacerbation of the disease and even hospitalization.

With gastritis

The term "gastritis" in medicine implies a combination of ailments that cause irritation of the gastric mucosa. If we talk about halva, then individually the products that make up its composition do not cause any harm to the patient. However, together they cause irritation, which can lead to an exacerbation of the disease.

For the intestines

The value of halva for the intestine is the presence of dietary fiber. For a long time, their value was neglected, considered a kind of unnecessary ballast. But then it turned out that dietary fiber has a positive effect on intestinal motility, and as a result - on constipation and diarrhea.

A feature of dietary fiber is that they are not processed in the small intestine, but only in the large intestine, thus stimulating the motility of the stomach. In addition, they saturate it, which dulls the feeling of hunger.

For constipation

Constipation in the body occurs mainly due to the use of easily digestible food, which can not be said about halva. Dietary fiber stimulates the digestive tract and acts as a laxative.

With gout

Gout is a disease in which joints are affected due to the accumulation of uric acid salts. Therefore, with this ailment, it is important to undergo not only a course of treatment, but also adhere to a certain diet.

Sweets, in particular halva, are the subject of controversy among scientists so far, so there is no exact answer. With the disease, it is not recommended to use only chocolate and products that contain purines.

With colitis

Due to the content in halva of many useful substances and vitamins, with colitis it can and should be eaten. In particular, in this case, insoluble dietary fiber has a positive effect on the digestive tract.

However, there are certain nuances. So, for the preparation of halva, sunflower seeds are used, which can accumulate various carcinogens. And with prolonged storage of harmful substances becomes more than useful, which is dangerous with a disease such as colitis.

With hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids - a disease associated with impaired blood flow in the lower rectum. As a rule, the disease occurs with improper nutrition and eating spicy and spicy dishes, as well as alcohol. In addition to the course of treatment, the patient is prescribed a diet, which should include cereals and foods containing dietary fiber. Therefore, halva must be included in the menu for this ailment.

For the liver

Despite the fact that halva is a rather fatty product that can put pressure on the liver, in general, it is very useful. So, sunflower seeds help cleanse the blood vessels of the liver and prevent the occurrence of blood clots in it. Also, thanks to the presence of antioxidants, they protect its cells and lower cholesterol.

With cholecystitis

With cholecystitis, when the mucous membrane of the stomach is broken, halva is categorically not worth it. This is a rather heavy product, and even a small piece can cause an aggravation of the disease.

Harm and contraindications

There are no special contraindications for the use of halva. Problems can arise in case of abuse, as the product has a high calorie content.

Do not use sweets in case of individual intolerance to the components, as well as in obesity and atherosclerosis.

How to choose and store

Halva can be implemented in two ways - packaged and by weight. If you buy it in a supermarket, then it is better to choose the one that is sold in a transparent wrapper. Before buying, you need to pay attention to the following points:

1. There should be no sugar stains on the surface.
2. In color, any halva should be light, if there are dark spots, then the production technology is violated.
3. There should be no greasy stains on the surface of the product.

If halva is purchased by weight, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence of husks of sunflower seeds or peanuts. Their presence or absence will show quality in the best way. If you have the opportunity to try, do not refuse, a good product crumbles and does not stick to your teeth.

You can store halva in the pantry or in a room where the temperature does not exceed 12 ° C, and in the refrigerator at 7 ° C. In the open form, the product must be placed in any container and closed with a lid, otherwise it will absorb all extraneous odors.

How to make halva at home

It’s easy to make sweetness from sunflower seeds. For this you need seeds, flour and sugar. First you need to dry half a kilogram of sunflower seeds, for this they should be fried until golden brown, then carefully grind in a blender. In the same pan, half a glass of flour should be passaged, added to the seeds and again thoroughly chopped. The paste should be homogeneous and turn gray.

After that, you need to prepare syrup: 70 ml of water per glass of sugar. Cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat. At the end, add 120-150 ml of sunflower oil.

After readiness, put the paste from the seeds into a container and pour the resulting syrup. Halve to cool to room temperature.

Is it possible to eat halva in Lent

Since halva contains only plant substances, it can be eaten in most posts, including the Great Orthodox Fast.

Interesting facts about halva

Halva is one of the most famous sweets, which is why some facts about it are quite curious:

1. Halva was first prepared on the territory of modern Iran in the 5th century. BC e.
2. It is believed that the most delicious sweet in the world is produced in its homeland - Iran.
3. In Iran, halva is made exclusively by hand, this profession is considered honorable and is inherited.
4. In Greece, this sweet is made from semolina, olive oil and walnuts, and also complemented with cinnamon and raisins.

Photo halva