Waffles: benefits and harms to the human body

Everyone knows about this delicacy. He is often bought for tea, taken with him on the road. In any recipe book you can find several options for making waffles. At one time only aristocrats could allow them, now a treat is found on the shelves of any store.

What are waffles

A waffle is a thin crispy confectionery product with embossed rectangular patterns. The history of this product goes so deep into the past that it is impossible to say exactly when they were first prepared and by whom. However, there are suggestions that the first appearance of this sweetness occurred in the XIII century.

At that time, waffles were served only in the homes of wealthy people. For ordinary people, the product remained expensive and inaccessible. For a long time, the recipe was not available to the general public, the chefs kept it secret and handed it from generation to generation. The first recipe for goodies was published in the book only in the XVIII century. Since then, everyone modified the recipe at their discretion, and now there are a huge number of cooking options.

With the invention of the waffle iron in 1869, this sweet received an incredible peak of popularity. Housewives were very fond of this device, which allows you to quickly and effortlessly prepare delicious waffles for breakfast. The device of the waffle iron is very simple - it consists of two metal parts, between which they put the dough.

In the United States on August 24 celebrate a holiday dedicated to waffles. On this day, almost all cafes, restaurants and bars offer their customers all kinds of sweets with different fillings. Wafers with maple syrup are especially popular there.

In Russia, mass production began only in the middle of the 20th century. Enterprises made wafers for ice cream; one could also find waffle cakes, which were very popular among people. Also at this time waffle irons began to appear in the USSR, and people themselves prepared this delicacy.

Views

Almost every country has its own recipes for making this sweet. Together with coffee or tea, they can be an excellent breakfast and energize for the whole day. There are a large number of types of waffles, but most often there are 6 main ones:

1. Viennese. Without exaggeration, they can be called the most popular species. Usually they are thin, but at the same time lush and soft. They are prepared with souffle filling, often served with ice cream, coffee and fruit. The square shape is considered to be classic for them, although round products are also increasingly common. The history of Viennese waffles began more than 100 years ago.
2. Belgian In turn, they are divided into 2 subspecies - Liege and Brussels. The former are distinguished by their solid consistency due to the fact that they are baked with sugar. Most often they have a round or oval shape. They add cinnamon or vanillin. Brussels are soft, lush, have a square shape. Among other species, they are also distinguished by their large size. They are often served with fruit, cream or chocolate, sprinkled with powder on top.
3. American Americans really like waffles. They are prepared in a variety of forms, there are even sweets in the form of a heart. In the USA, even salted waffles are prepared, which are used as bread. They are often served with bacon, fruit, and all kinds of sweet fillings.
4. Italian They are very thin and soft, characterized by a round shape and a variety of patterns that resemble snowflakes.Italian waffles are so thin that they can easily be rolled into a tube. Often they wrap ice cream, syrups, etc. They are also often consumed without anything. Such waffles are baked in a special pan.
5. Swedish There is also a waffle festival in this country. The Swedes celebrate the Annunciation at the end of March, and on this day waffles become one of the most popular products. Although this sweetness and without a holiday of popularity does not hold. Swedes are very fond of waffles, serving them with cream, jam and ice cream. The shapes are also diverse - from classic square to stars and hearts.
6. Dutch. They are also called caramel. They are prepared from two thin plates of dough stuffed with syrup. They are very sweet.

How Vienna waffles differ from Belgian ones

In general, they are very similar. The main difference is consistency. Viennese waffles are soft and airy, while Belgian waffles are more dense and resemble cookies.

Composition and calorie content

Calorie content of the product depends on the method of preparation and in general is 300-350 kcal per 100 g of product. Chocolate wafers are slightly higher - about 500 kcal. Moreover, they contain 3 g of protein, 2.5–3 g of fat and 80–82 g of carbohydrates.

There are no substances harmful to the human body in wafers. The pure product lacks flavor enhancers and other synthetic additives.

Regardless of the type, the composition contains such useful substances:

• calcium;
• potassium;
• magnesium;
• sodium;
• iron;
• phosphorus;
• vitamins B, E, A, C.

The amount of vitamins and minerals in one serving is approximately 2-3% of the daily dose, with the exception of vitamin E, which is 50% of the daily norm.

Why are waffles useful?

General benefit

The main advantage of waffles is the ability to quickly satisfy hunger, as this is a fairly high-calorie product. Thanks to sugar, they can also stimulate brain activity. Waffles are appreciated by people who experience regular physical activity. A small snack with this delicacy allows you to forget about the feeling of hunger for a long time and get a boost of energy.

For the preparation of waffles, dairy products that are rich in calcium are used. This component is an important building block in the body. It prevents the development of diseases associated with brittle bones.

For women

Everything is good in moderation. This expression also applies to waffles. In small amounts, they will be beneficial for the female body, but excessive consumption can lead to serious health problems, including obesity.

Wafers contain simple carbohydrates that saturate the brain with energy. The fats contained in the product contribute to better absorption of vitamins by the body. Wafers are made with eggs that contain a powder called healthy cholesterol. It is a prevention of the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

It is also known that sweet improves mood, so women are advised to use waffles in the morning during PMS. Drinking a small amount of product can provide a good mood for the whole day.

For men

Nutritionists argue that men whose work is associated with heavy physical exertion should eat waffles during a snack. Such lunch energizes and satisfies hunger for a long time. Wafers are even able to improve the processes of thermoregulation and eliminate overcooling or overheating. They saturate the body with glycogen, so they are recommended to be included in the diet for men who are trying to gain muscle mass, as an addition to the main diet.

In the United States, scientific studies have been conducted that have shown that the use of wafers produces a hormone of pleasure, which will help to quickly get rid of bad habits.

During pregnancy

Pregnant women often want something tasty, and waffles are perfect for this role. If you choose a pure product without filling, it will contain exclusively useful elements for the body, including calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for a pregnant woman.You can also cook this product yourself, such waffles will be even tastier.

During this period, hormonal disruptions are observed in women, due to which there are sharp mood swings. Wafers are able to improve the hormonal background. In addition, they contribute to the strengthening of the musculoskeletal system.

Pregnant women often complain that they do not want to eat, but wafers are able to quickly saturate the body without causing a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.

Some sources claim that eating waffles with nuts and cocoa reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions in the child. Dried fruit waffles can improve vision and are a preventive measure for constipation. Using a treat, the expectant mother can gain the necessary weight, but you should not get too carried away with the product, since pregnant women have a sensitivity to sugar.

When breastfeeding

During this period, products are selected especially carefully so as not to harm the health of the child. At this time, women are often addicted to sweets, but not every product is suitable for consumption. It is necessary to give preference to wafers without filling, prepared according to the classic recipe, since they do not contain preservatives, flavorings and other substances that can act as allergens. It is safer to cook waffles yourself from natural and high-quality products.

Introducing the product into the diet is allowed gradually, after 1-1.5 months after the start of breastfeeding.

For children

Children especially need energy, because they are constantly in motion. Classes at school, kindergarten and clubs take a lot of energy, so a snack with waffles will be useful. However, you do not need to consume them too often and in large quantities. You can make homemade sugar-free waffles and make sandwiches with them and pack them in school. Such a lunch will muffle the feeling of the head and increase energy.

When losing weight

Almost any diet comes down to restricting the use of certain foods, rather than completely eliminating them from the diet. Wafers are considered a product with a high glycemic index, so they are not recommended to eat when losing weight. Also, their calorie content is quite high. But, fortunately, there are special dietary varieties that are allowed to be consumed in limited quantities. In small doses, they will not cause harm and can satisfy the hunger. In addition, classic recipes can easily be converted to diet recipes, replacing fatty ingredients with analogues.

Wafers in medicine

This delicacy can be useful, but do not forget that wafers contain a large amount of sugar. There may also be flavorings and other additives, so for some diseases they need to be eaten very carefully.

With diabetes

With this disease, people have to constantly limit themselves in food. It is forbidden to consume a lot of fried, smoked, salty and sweet, so it is better to refuse classic waffles. But there are special diabetic products that are prepared without the addition of sugar. This product contains special components with a low glycemic index. For example, whole-wheat flour with an index of 50 is added to diabetic wafers. It contains many useful components, including fiber, which removes toxins from the body and helps normalize metabolism. There are varieties that are baked with the addition of honey (in small quantities), fruit or peanuts. The benefits of such goodies are even higher.

The taste of the product, of course, differs from the classic waffles, but at the same time it is much more useful. Such pastries can be eaten daily, but with the permission of a doctor.

Diet waffles can be prepared independently, while the calorie content of the product will not exceed 200 kcal. To prepare you will need:

• 200 ml of kefir;
• 20 g whole grain flour;
• 2-3 eggs (quail can be added);
• salt;
• vegetable oil;
• sugar substitute.

Beat the eggs with a mixer in a deep container, add the sweetener (the portion allowed by the doctor) and continue to beat the mixture until smooth. Next, add kefir and flour in small portions. Continue whipping until a sour cream is obtained. At the end, add a spoonful of vegetable oil to the dough and knead the dough thoroughly again. Bake with an electric waffle iron. Grease it with vegetable oil, heat it, and then lay out 2 tablespoons of dough. Close the appliance, press firmly and bake the products for 2-3 minutes.

With pancreatitis

This is another disease that imposes severe restrictions on the human diet. Sweet affects the work of the patient with a pancreas, since she has to actively produce insulin. Pancreatitis is divided into two stages - exacerbation and chronic form. In the first case, the restrictions are the most serious. The amount of food consumed is limited, some doctors even advise you to starve the day. In this case, you can only eat special diet foods, boiled vegetables and other light foods. Therefore, in this period there are no waffles in any case.

When the exacerbation goes away, you can dilute your diet a little. It is allowed to include some sweets in the diet, but with the permission of the doctor and in the quantities indicated by him.

Wafers with sugar or with filling will have to be abandoned forever, but varieties with fructose or without sugar can be eaten from time to time. The consumption rate depends on the condition of the patient and the course of the disease. But you need to remember that this product gives an increased load on the pancreas.

It is much safer to cook waffles yourself:

• 1 egg
• 1 cup kefir 1% or milk;
• 1 cup whole grain flour;
• 0.5 tablespoons oat oat flour;
• salt.

Mix the egg with kefir and beat with a mixer, add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly with a spoon, then leave the dough for 5-10 minutes. If the finished mixture is thick, you can add more milk or kefir. Cook waffles in a special waffle iron for 2 minutes. Ready cakes can be greased with low-fat sour cream, yogurt or fruit puree. You can eat them with first courses, tea, make sandwiches.

With gastritis

With gastritis, the diet is not as rigid as with other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The diet is drawn up by the attending physician and may be adjusted from time to time. Sweet foods can be consumed with gastritis, but with some limitations. Sweets should be natural and not contain synthetic additives, so you have to abandon wafers with artificial filling. It is advisable to choose sweets with natural filling or syrup.

With proper use of sweets can even be useful for gastritis. Firstly, they improve the production of the hormone of happiness, which positively affects the nervous system and improves mood. Secondly, wafers contain fiber of plant origin, which is able to remove toxins and toxins from the body. Thirdly, in the treat there are simple carbohydrates that quickly saturate the body with energy and are necessary for the formation of certain hormones.

Nevertheless, some doctors oppose the use of waffles for gastritis due to their high fat content. Margarine is often added to production, and it is banned for use with this pathology. Also, some waffles are prepared with the addition of butter or cocoa powder, and they can also worsen the condition.

In the period of exacerbation, when there is heartburn, bloating and pain, you can not even use dietary waffles. With increased acidity of the stomach, it is strictly forbidden to use dessert with jam. With low acidity, this will even be useful, since jam will stimulate the production of gastric juice.

Wafers with condensed milk can be eaten in small quantities, but provided that the product itself is natural and does not contain dyes or preservatives.

With gout

Gout is a disease characterized by excessive deposition of uric acid salts in the tissues of the body. Because of this, tissue function and organ function may be impaired, joints and liver suffer. The diet for patients with gout is prescribed individually and is a necessary measure. It is formulated in such a way as to reduce the ingestion of oxalic acid and purines. Therefore, any butter baking will have to be abandoned. You can not use waffles with cream and other similar fillers.

It is allowed to eat unedible waffles with jam. To cook inedible products, you must completely exclude eggs, dairy products and sometimes even butter from the recipe. For the preparation of non-edible waffles, the following ingredients are used:

• 250 g of premium wheat flour;
• 250 ml of boiled water;
• 2 tablespoons of sugar;
• salt;
• vegetable oil.

Mix flour with water using a mixer. The amount of ingredients can be changed to get a semi-liquid consistency. Then add salt, sugar and mix again. Heat the electric waffle iron, put 2-3 tablespoons of dough and bake for 3 minutes. The finished dish can be consumed with jam.

Harm and contraindications

The main contraindications are dictated by high calorie content and high sugar content. It is forbidden to eat waffles for people prone to obesity. Frequent use of the product can cause diabetes.

The filling may contain synthetic substances, which often cause allergic reactions. They can also negatively affect the liver, so children are advised to give them in moderation.

With pancreatic diseases, a treat can also be dangerous, and it should be eaten only with the permission of a doctor.

How to choose and store

In any store you can find a wide range of waffles, so choosing a quality product is not so simple. There are several varieties of this product:

1. Without filling. They are thin crispy sheets. Desserts are prepared from them, the filling is wrapped in them. These waffles can be served with fresh fruit or ice cream.
2. With the filling. Usually consist of two sheets and a layer between them. The filling can be absolutely anything - from sweet jam to bacon. Confectionery fat often becomes the basis of the filling. On top of such waffles can be decorated with icing sugar or fruit.
3. Dietary. They can also be categorized. Instead of sugar, its substitutes are used. You can also find fortified waffles on the shelves. They are specially saturated with vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the body.

When choosing wafers, you need to pay attention to their composition. The composition of a normal product includes premium flour, sugar, baking powder, flavorings, dairy products and flavorings. Certain varieties may contain cocoa, spices, fruit additives, citrus zest.

The main component that you need to pay attention to when choosing a product is fat. If it is written on the package that the composition includes confectionery fats, but it is not written which ones, it is better to refuse to buy the product. The fact is that some manufacturers add trans fats to wafers, which can be harmful to health.

The package should also contain information about all the flavors and flavorings that were used to make the sweets.

In the markets and in some stores you can find waffles that are sold by weight. It is advisable to check with the seller the date of their production and expiration date. It is even better to request relevant documents.

Pay attention to the appearance of the product, evaluating the color and smell. Wafer plates should be a pleasant golden hue, the same in thickness and structure, dry. Excess moisture in them can become a favorable environment for the propagation of harmful microorganisms. If waffles are sold with a filling, then you need to look at its consistency. It should be uniform throughout the product. Jam should not be too thin or thick. Smudges of the filling indicate that it has deteriorated.

When buying waffles in a supermarket, pay attention to the packaging. You should give preference to products that are sold in transparent or translucent packaging, so that you can assess the appearance of the goods. When buying in closed packaging, you need to pay attention to its appearance - it should not be torn, worn or burned out. Faded colors may indicate that the product has been lying against the sun for too long. Also in both cases, you need to check the tightness of the package.

It is better to refuse to buy waffles that lie on shelves next to heating appliances or in humid and cold rooms.

Shelf life is usually indicated on the packaging. It is 3 months for ordinary products and 15-30 days for products with filling. It is better to store a treat at a temperature of no higher than 16–18 degrees with air humidity below 60–65%. It should also be borne in mind that wafers well absorb ambient odors, so you should not keep them next to fish and other products with a persistent aroma.

The expiration date can be judged by taste, it becomes bitter.

How to make waffles: recipes

In the world there are many different recipes for this treat. Each nation made changes to the classic recipe.

Classic

The classic recipe is the easiest. It was used in the USSR when the first waffle irons appeared. They are prepared very quickly and do not require much time, so this is a great option for breakfast. To make classic waffles, you will need:

• 5 eggs;
• 1 cup flour;
• 1 cup of sugar;
• 200 g butter;
• 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil.

First you need to soften the butter and beat it with sugar using a mixer. Instead, you can use a spoon or fork, but it will be a little longer. Then mix the eggs, add to the butter and beat thoroughly again. Sift flour and add in small portions, constantly stirring the dough. You can add one bag of vanillin for flavor.

Ready dough should be semi-liquid, like a pancake. Put 2 tablespoons of dough in a waffle iron and bake for 3-4 minutes. While the waffles are hot, they can be rolled up and filled with ice cream or condensed milk.

Dutch

This recipe is considered one of the most famous. Caramel wafers have a unique flavor. Baking them is easy, but it takes a long time. They can be served at the festive table. To prepare you will need:

• 600 g of flour;
• 70–80 g of sugar;
• 2 chicken eggs;
• 1 teaspoon of dry yeast;
• 200–250 g of butter;
• 15 g of cinnamon;
• salt on the tip of a teaspoon.

First you need to mix the yeast with sugar and 3 tablespoons of water. Soften butter and chop finely, then beat until foam appears. Then add sugar, cinnamon, salt and water with yeast to the oil. Now gradually introduce the flour, mixing the dough. It should turn out a thick consistency, as for pies. Now cover it and leave for 30-40 minutes.

While the dough is coming, you can do syrup. To make it, you need honey (2/3 cups), brown sugar (200 g), butter (50 g) and a little cinnamon. Mix all ingredients except oil and put on medium heat. Cook, stirring 10-15 minutes, then add oil and mix thoroughly.

As soon as the dough is ready, warm up the waffle iron, then roll small balls from the dough, put them into the apparatus and squeeze. Fry until golden brown.

At the end, give the waffles a round shape. You can use special molds or a jar. Cut the prepared sweets in half and grease with syrup.

Belgian

Tourists know how delicious Belgian waffles are. In this country, they are made from batter, using various patterns. But to cook them at home is not difficult, you need the following ingredients:

• 180 g flour;
• 250 ml of milk;
• 100 g butter;
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt;
• 2-3 tablespoons of sugar;
• baking powder for the dough;
• 2 eggs.

Sift the flour, make a recess in the center and add salt, baking powder, sugar. If desired, vanillin can be added. Now separate the yolks, mix with milk. Mash butter and grate, then add to milk and beat with a mixer. Mix the whipped mixture with flour and add the whipped proteins separately, and then knead the dough thoroughly.

Grease the waffle iron and heat, then pour the dough there at about 2/3 of the depth. Bake for 5–10 minutes until golden brown. Chilled wafers and serve with jam or fresh fruit.

Vienna

Viennese waffles are distinguished by their softness and delicate taste. Everyone can modify the recipe by adding new ingredients. The dough recipe for Viennese waffles is very similar to the dough for pancakes. To prepare you will need:

• 200 grams of butter;
• 1/2 cup sugar;
• 3 eggs;
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice;
• 250 ml of milk;
• baking powder for the dough;
• 2 cups premium flour.

It is necessary to prepare the butter in advance, leaving it at room temperature for 40-50 minutes. When the butter is soft, mix it with sugar and beat with a mixer. The result should be a lush mass. Then add one egg, mix everything until smooth, then a second egg and mix again. Now pour warm milk, lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of baking powder into the mixture. Sift flour and add in small portions to the dough. Knead thoroughly and leave at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

Preheat the waffle iron, grease with oil and put 2-3 tablespoons of dough in the center, then close the device. Waffles cook for about 5 minutes. Serve with fresh fruits, jam and various syrups.

Interesting Facts

1. The mesh, which is created on the surface of the dough plates, appeared for a reason. It acts as a frame and does not allow the filling to spread. Without it, waffles would quickly soak and break.
2. The name of the product in German means "honeycomb". Wafers just externally resemble this product.
3. In Norway, they make very thin wafers that are wrapped in tubes and stuffed with jam, chocolate or ice cream. This they consider to be a traditional Christmas dish.
4. Brussels waffles may include beer. There are points in the city where they are baked directly on the street. Then the products are seasoned with powder or syrup.
5. In some countries, cheese, bacon, and even garlic are used as fillings for sweet waffles.
6. It is still unknown who and when first made waffles. There is a version that this sweet was first made by the Greeks. They used two hot plates, between which the ingredients were placed. Other evidence indicates that the Germans were the first. Some sources claim that waffles are more than 8 thousand years old. Ancient civilizations cooked cakes of grain and water on fire, which can be considered the first waffles.
7. Some manufacturers add spices to the dough, so the baked goods get a pleasant aroma. If you add the zest of lemon or orange to the dough, you can make the taste of sweets more refined.
8. In the Middle Ages, irons were used to shape wafers. This technique was adopted by the church. Monks used irons to make waffles for their events. Around the same time, various patterns began to be made on sweets. For example, the church applied a cross and other attributes. Craftsmen applied more complex designs.
9. According to surveys, more than 70% of Americans regularly use waffles for breakfast. Moreover, more than half of the respondents said that they prefer to eat them with chicken. Ready-made frozen waffles are very popular in America.
10. In the Middle Ages, for the disclosure of the recipe for making waffles, they could introduce the most severe punishment.
11. It is believed that if a person treats someone in a dream with waffles, an unexpected acquaintance awaits him. And if someone treated him - it means that pleasant surprises await him ahead.
12. When waffles became available to ordinary people, they were handed out near churches. Around this product there was a real stir, and it could reach fights.
13. Waffles can be extremely useful, for example, there are varieties in which vitamins are added. Also, some items are served with fresh fruit filling, which also contributes to better health.
14. A treat is not necessary to bake daily. It is well stored in the freezer. Before use, you need to warm up the dish a little.
15. Thanks to waffles, some inventions have appeared. For example, one person, inspired by the appearance of products, came up with sneakers with grooved soles. And one day, the ice cream seller ran out of containers, and he decided to put the balls into folded wafer rolls.
16. Now in the world more than 1000 tons of wafers are produced annually. The number of recipes is striking in its diversity.
17. There is a special type of waffle - Karlovy Vary. Their feature is almost perfect round shape and relief with drawings. They are considered a real work of art. Many tourists buy them not for taste, but as a souvenir. Once a scandal even broke out between several countries for the right to be considered the inventor of this delicacy. In the Czech Republic, mineral curative water is used from a spring located near the enterprise to create these wafers.
18. In the middle of the last century, thin waffles with a convex relief in the shape of an egg became popular in some Asian countries. Ice cream and fruit are wrapped in them. This dish is still a popular fast food.
19. In Sweden, there was a tradition according to which on March 25 you need to go outside barefoot and eat at least one waffle.
20. In Japan, they make rice waffles called Moffle. They are versatile and served with fruit, ice cream, cheese and even caviar. Some manufacturers immediately add berries to the dough to give it a pleasant aroma and color.

This delicacy has a rich history. For several centuries, waffles have remained a popular breakfast and addition to tea. They may be helpful, but if over-consumed, they harm the body. Recipes are constantly changing, new ones have appeared, and now everyone can try to come up with their own version of the preparation of sweets.