Marshmallows: benefits and harms for the human body

Marshmallow is a sweet that is useful even for children, since it does not destroy teeth and does not increase blood sugar. Nutritionists recommend this type of treat even to those who want to lose weight, as the reasonable use of the product will saturate the body with useful substances and satisfy the desire to eat something sweet without harming the figure. But what is included in the composition of such a product that determines its benefit for the whole body, and even with weight loss?

What is marshmallow and what is it made of

Marshmallows belongs to the category of sweets, loved by adults and children. Traditionally, marshmallows contain water, sugar (or a substitute), gelatin and citric acid to normalize the taste. Depending on the desire, pureed raspberries, strawberries or apples are used as filling. The additional addition of a thickener allows you to achieve the desired shape and appearance.

If you use sweetness in moderation, then it does not cause any harm to the body. Moreover, gelatin is an animal chondroprotector that strengthens bones and joints, saturating them with missing vitamins and minerals. For those who do not include animal products in the diet, marshmallow on agar agar is suitable. This is algae, which allows the product to acquire a jelly-like structure much faster without compromising on taste.

Depending on the technological map of the marshmallow industry, the composition may include other components, namely chocolate, liquid fillings in the form of topping and much more. But it is important to consider that such a marshmallow will be more high-calorie due to the high sugar content, therefore, such a dish will not work for diabetics and people who adhere to the principles of proper nutrition.

Kinds

Marshmallows are divided into types depending on which product was used as a thickener - gelatin, vegetable pectins or agar-agar. Plant pectin is a product that is obtained by drawing acid extraction from apples, citrus fruits, several types of beets and sunflower seeds. Low calorie content and the absence of harmful fats make this supplement the most popular in the manufacture of marshmallows.

Additionally, the finished marshmallow is divided into separate categories depending on what product is used for filling. It happens that the filling is completely absent. Given the wide variety of fillers, then conditionally marshmallows can be divided into the following categories:

• With chocolate chips.
• With fruit filling.
• Mint.
• With cream.
• Chocolate coated.
• With condensed milk.
• With marmalade.

There are more than enough types, therefore, depending on personal taste preferences and desires, there is always the opportunity to choose an interesting option. It is also considered important that the dish allows you to experiment with it at home and create desserts that are unusual in taste.

What is the difference between marshmallows and pastille

Given that marshmallows are a kind of interpretation of marshmallows, many people think that the homeland of the product is one, but in fact the ancient Greeks first prepared it in France. Due to its airiness and softness, the product was named after the god of the winds Zephyr. But marshmallow is an exclusively Russian invention, which was first tested in Kolomna.The name comes from the word "bed", as the product is spread out and folded into a tube.

The traditional way of making pastille is to mix apple, cherry, strawberry or any other fruit puree with sugar or honey. The finished mass is formed in the form of a layer, which is dried to obtain a plastic form that allows you to roll it into a small shaft for cutting into proportional pieces. The product is much denser and harder than marshmallows, so it can be attributed not only to individual sweet treats, but also to the decor, as the structure allows you to cut the pastille into small pieces for decorating baking.

But marshmallows are created using a different technology: apple, cherry or any other puree is interrupted with sugar, egg white and a thickener. Then on the parchment lay out the shapes of the halves of the marshmallows for their subsequent connection in a single design. Additionally, various decor techniques and fillings for filling can be used, so this option of dessert can be considered more universal in terms of manufacturing methods.

Composition and calorie content

The usefulness and nutritional value depends on the chemical composition of any product, so this parameter should not be overlooked. Marshmallow contains sugar of a light structure, so it is quickly absorbed in the body. This is considered the main source of energy, which positively affects the overall health. And the protein obtained from chicken eggs is considered a source of amino acids, no less useful for human well-being. Pectin or agar-agar, which is present in the composition of marshmallows, provides a positive effect on the circulatory system, which prevents the appearance of blood clots in blood vessels. But gelatin is additional proteins and saturated fats, due to which the body is strengthened, in particular, bones, the digestive system is normalized.

Marshmallow is a sweet treat, which contains sugar, which increases the calorie content of the dish. 100 grams contains 326 kcal. But given the light weight of the product and its “airiness”, the volume of 100 grams of marshmallows will be large.

A light dessert with a high level of saturation of the body is a godsend for those who want to treat themselves to something tasty without harming the figure.

Important: if the composition contains agar-agar and sweetener, then the calorie content is significantly reduced, so when losing weight, this version of the product will be most useful.

What is the use of marshmallows?

The usefulness of marshmallows, first of all, is that it lacks chemical compounds that can lead to disruption of the functioning of internal organs and systems. Each organism is individual, therefore, the choice of product must be treated with special care in order to avoid problems with well-being in the future.

For women

The product consists of fruits that positively affect the functioning of internal organs. They improve the digestive system and intestines, restore well-being even after eating fatty foods. The thickener present in the composition has a positive effect on the female genital organs, so that you can reduce the level of pain during menstruation.

For men

Natural gelatin based marshmallows contain natural chondroprotectors that positively affect the skeletal system. This prevents pain in the joints and cartilage, which is considered an important advantage for the male body. According to statistics, men most often encounter problems with the skeletal system, so such prevention will be extremely useful.

During pregnancy

Pregnancy is a physical load on a woman’s body, therefore it is necessary to use products in the diet that can saturate the body and prevent disturbances in the functioning of internal organs.

The sweetness in the composition of marshmallows allows you to improve brain function, which prevents the appearance of migraines and headaches.In addition, low calorie content allows the expectant mother to improve her health by satisfying the desire to eat something sweet without harming the figure and the unborn baby. The abuse of sweets can cause not only weight gain, but also a deterioration in blood supply between the mother and the child.

For kids

Many parents are attentive to their child’s diet and limit unhealthy sweets. But in fact, marshmallow is not only a low-calorie, but also a very nutritious dish that can restore the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and digestive system, which is an important property of the product.

Marshmallows can restore energy and endurance, so after training or active sports, such a product will be most useful for the child. But it is important not to abuse it, since all products are useful only if the norm is observed.

Is it possible to marshmallow while breastfeeding

During the period of breastfeeding, marshmallows are not prohibited, moreover, it is useful due to its ability to satisfy hunger and saturate milk with useful minerals that are passed on to the baby. But marshmallow without fillers and chocolate is best suited, since such products are allergic, and they can harm the baby's health and well-being.

But there are cases of individual intolerance to the marshmallows as a whole or of individual components present in its composition. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor the condition of the child so that at any time this sweetness can be excluded from the diet.

The optimal amount is 3 pieces per week. Excessive consumption of sweets by the mother can cause the child to constantly thirst, which harms his well-being.

Is it possible to eat marshmallows when losing weight

Weight loss is a period of not only nutritional restrictions, but also the introduction of new products that can cope with the task of saturating the body and its normal functioning, regardless of external factors. But for weight loss, marshmallows prepared on sugar substitutes and agar agar are best suited, since such a tandem of components reduces the overall calorie content of the dessert.

The recommended weekly rate is 4 pieces, but it is important to remember that if marshmallow is present in the diet when losing weight, then other sweets, even based on sweeteners, should be excluded. The accumulation of glucose in the body in any case can lead to stagnation or weight gain.

Marshmallow in medicine

Marshmallows have proven themselves in medicine, as the natural composition and nutritional value favorably affect the state of health and well-being. Therefore, it is important to consider that there are certain diseases when the product is recommended for use due to its nutritional value and benefits.

With diabetes

In diabetes mellitus, only a special marshmallow is allowed, which has a sweetener in its composition, and not free glucose, so that there is no harmful effect on the body. An important property is the fact that marshmallows can saturate the body with a forbidden for medical reasons sweetness, which diabetics really want.

Important: the glycemic index of ordinary marshmallows is 65 units.

With pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a complex and dangerous disease characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. The use of sweets in the diet is completely prohibited, but marshmallows are not only allowed, but also important for the normal functioning of the digestive tract. Protein allows you to restore the gland, as well as clean it of toxins, while normalizing the general condition.

With gastritis

For gastritis, it is recommended to eat marshmallows without fillings and excipients, since without flavoring additives the product is useful for normalizing the gastric mucosa, relieving inflammation and establishing the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

For constipation

Marshmallow refers to foods that can cleanse the intestines due to a mild laxative effect, which is considered an important positive quality for people who have this problem. In addition, with the regular use of marshmallows, chronic constipation can be avoided.

With colitis

Experts say that marshmallows with intestinal colitis are useful due to the normalization of microflora. The protein, which is part of the product, strengthens the intestinal wall, so that inflammation is removed and the most unpleasant symptoms of colitis are eliminated.

With cholecystitis

With inflammation of the gallbladder, a diet is required to prevent stagnation of bile. It is he who disrupts the normal functioning of not only the liver, but also the whole organism. It is allowed to include marshmallows in the diet in a small amount, but at the stage of exacerbation, such a dessert should be abandoned.

Harm and contraindications

Marshmallow has no contraindications as such, because it contains natural products. But be that as it may, in the composition there is sugar, which in large quantities harms the figure and can cause the appearance of excess weight, so it is important to observe the daily norm in order to avoid adverse reactions.

And also marshmallow is contraindicated for people with insulin diabetes. Rather, you can use only the dietary type of such treats, created on the basis of a sweetener and agar-agar or plant pectin.

How to choose and store marshmallows

On the shelves of the store in front of customers presented marshmallows in large quantities, so the question of choice and subsequent storage is considered particularly relevant. When choosing, it is worth considering the following rules:

1. Composition and manufacturing standards are the basis for the right product selection among the whole assortment. Often, unscrupulous manufacturers neglect the basic rules of product manufacturing.
2. Appearance and color also play an important role when choosing marshmallows. A very bright and saturated color can indicate the presence of harmful preservatives and toxic dyes in the composition.
3. If you can touch the marshmallows, it is advisable to do so. It should be dense and uniform, since friability and cracks on the surface of the dessert indicate a violation of the process.

It is not enough just to choose marshmallows, it still needs to be stored correctly. There are no special requirements, since the dessert is not demanding and does not belong to the category of perishable, so there is an opportunity to enjoy it for 1.5 months. Simply put the product in a dark and cool place, preferably in a closed container.

How to make marshmallows at home

Marshmallows can be made at home, given the proportions of the products to be made. The standard recipe for cooking on gelatin is known to almost every hostess, but on agar-agar it is not, so it is worthy of special attention.

Agar Recipe

For the preparation of marshmallows on agar agar requires:

• 300 grams of apples.
• 100 grams of granulated sugar.
• 1 chicken protein.

For syrup you will need:

• 75 ml of water.
• 200 grams of sugar.
• 10 grams of agar agar.

For sprinkling, you can use powdered sugar.

How to prepare:

1. Initially, make applesauce, which will be the basis for making marshmallows. Chopped boiled apple slices (without peel and pits) with an immersion blender until smooth.
2. Pour in sugar and boil the mass over low heat to obtain a homogeneous sweet substance. Then cool the workpiece in the refrigerator for 20-25 minutes.
3. After cooling, beat the apple mass with cold protein to obtain uniformity. It is important to beat everything up to the peaks so that a dense and airy mass is obtained.
4. Add water, sugar and agar-agar to the pan to dissolve all the components and obtain a homogeneous substance for subsequent addition to the protein-apple puree. A syrup is considered ready when viscous sweet threads slowly slide from a wooden spatula.
5. Beat the syrup with pre-prepared protein mass to obtain a marshmallow.
6. Then transfer the mass to a pastry bag for planting the finished marshmallows.
7. Dry the workpieces for 3-6 hours at room temperature or on the balcony. For decoration, sprinkle icing sugar with dessert.

Why marshmallows do not freeze: what to do?

1. Marshmallows may not harden due to the fact that the composition contains little agar-agar or the proteins were poorly whipped. Because of this, the dessert becomes wet.
2. If the marshmallow does not freeze, then you can put it in the refrigerator for half an hour or an hour to set the mass.

The most cardinal way to solve the problem is to melt the marshmallows and add pre-soaked agar-agar to increase the elasticity of the mass.

How to melt marshmallows

Marshmallows can be melted in several ways, depending on what effect you want to get. If it is necessary to make a plastic mass from marshmallows, then the best option would be steaming in a pan in a water bath, since this way the product will begin to caramelize and quickly dissolve, turning into a single substance.

You can melt the marshmallows in the oven by spreading the items in a deep baking sheet. This option is ideal for making cakes, which will subsequently be used as an element of decoration for dessert.

Is it possible to eat marshmallows in the post

Marshmallows are not allowed to fast due to the fact that gelatin and egg whites are present in the composition. If agar-agar can be used instead of a thickener, then egg whites cannot be replaced. It is better to refrain from such sweetness until the end of Great Lent.

Interesting facts about marshmallows

Marshmallow is a sweet that has many positive qualities, so there were some interesting facts about such a dessert:

1. The first versions of marshmallows were created back in ancient Egypt.
2. The name of the dessert was coined in honor of the god of the wind Zephyr, as the delicate and soft structure resembles air.
3. In Russia, marshmallow was the prototype of marshmallow, and then two desserts began to take root in the country, interpreted depending on the confectionery discoveries.

Marshmallows can rightly be attributed to universal desserts. It has practically no contraindications, which is an important positive quality. But you need to choose it correctly and store in the recommended conditions.

Marshmallow photo