Everyone knows and loves halva, but does not know if it is useful. In our country, the most popular recipe based on sunflower seeds. Therefore, let's understand what are the benefits and harms of sunflower halva.
History of halva
In the distant past, namely in the 5th century BC, halva recipe was invented in Iran. No one knows for sure how she got to Russia. One version says that it first appeared in Odessa, where confectioner Greek Kazi began to make it. He had a factory there, which daily produced about 800 kg of various types of halva, which were successfully bought up by the sweet tooth of the whole country. Buyers could try honey, nut, chocolate, Karaite with almonds, sugar halva. The second version of the appearance of halva in our country is associated with the merchant Sviridov, who was told this recipe by a Greek wife named Medea. I wonder what were the benefits and harms of sunflower halva in those days? Unfortunately, there is no answer to this question.
In the East, by the way, halva is still kneaded only by hand. In these countries, it is made from almost any improvised products, including corn, semolina, wheat, carrots, sweet potatoes (sweet potato). In Russia, it is made mechanically, and we know only a few of its types: walnut, peanut, sunflower, sesame, combined halva. Add variety to the product with vanilla or dip the finished treat in chocolate.
Halva Recipe
The recipe for this oriental sweet is no secret to anyone, so only the lazy one knows it. Meanwhile, it is very simple: first, the main ingredient is ground (seeds or nuts), then caramel is added and whipped until a lush, homogeneous mass is obtained. In order for the halva to melt in the mouth and have an ideal fibrous-layered structure, a foaming agent (licorice root) is added to the syrup . All the components of the goodies are of a natural nature, therefore it is not on the list of unauthorized products for children.
Halva at home
This treat can be prepared at home. Here is the prescription. You will need three cups of sunflower seeds, two cups of flour, 200 ml of water, 100 grams of sugar , 100 ml of vegetable oil and vanillin.
Fry the seeds in a pan without adding sunflower oil. After that, pass them through the meat grinder several times. Fry flour, also without adding oil, fry in a pan until golden brown, stirring constantly. Pour sugar into the prepared pan, add vegetable oil and vanillin to it, bring to a boil. Pour the seeds and flour into the pan. Take the form, cover it with oilcloth or oiled paper, put the resulting mass on it and put it in the refrigerator for solidification for a couple of hours.
Benefit and harm for children
What are the benefits and harms of sunflower halva for children? The basis of the product is seeds and nuts, which contain B vitamins that help strengthen immunity and improve memory, vitamin A is necessary for the child to see and grow, vitamin E has a beneficial effect on the heart.
Preschool children are not recommended to give this oriental treat. The thing is that the teeth in babies are still very sensitive and vulnerable, and halva particles can get stuck in them. In addition, the mucous membrane of the mouth can be injured. In addition, the baby can easily choke on her.
Older children are allowed this useful product, but their use should be limited, the average portion should be about 10-15 grams per day. Of course, if your child is not allergic to seeds or nuts. However, the daily use of halva is undesirable, it is better to alternate sweets, for example, today let him enjoy marshmallows, treat yourself to pastille tomorrow, and taste the eastern sweetness the day after tomorrow.
Sunflower halva: benefits for adults
Vitamin E, which is almost abundant in halva, protects the body from premature aging, including heart attacks. Vitamins of group B have a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body, without it we would always grumble, be unhappy about and without it, we would have insomnia, we would be unsuccessful in fighting fungal skin diseases, including dandruff, as well as acne.
It is believed that sunflower halva is harmful to bones, but in fact it is a myth. On the contrary, vitamin D in its composition helps to strengthen bones, as it helps the body absorb calcium. Magnesium also has a beneficial effect on the heart and nervous system, normalizes blood pressure and helps build muscle.
Halva as a remedy for disease
Seeds are considered an excellent tool for the prevention of various heart diseases, in particular myocardial infarction, have a healing effect in liver diseases. In addition, some scientists believe that seeds help reduce the risk of cancer. Experts conducting research in this area have found that sunflower seeds can inhibit the development of tumors in organs such as mammary glands, ovaries, intestines, skin, and lungs. Subjects were hens, which were subjected to an experiment for a year. They added sunflower seeds to the diet daily, as a result, the number of tumors in the experimental group was reduced. Now, doctors are faced with the task of identifying a similar effect of seeds on the human body.
Harm from halva
Sunflower halva - benefit or harm to the body? Like any sweets, halva is useful only in small quantities. Its calorie content, as well as the calorie content of nuts or seeds included in its composition, fluctuates around 500 units per 100 grams. It follows that the abuse of this delicacy will lead to overweight. It contains molasses, which can adversely affect the health of people with diabetes. In addition, halva is an allergen. Therefore, it should be carefully used by sensitive people.
What products is combined with sunflower halva? The benefits and harms of this goodies have already been discussed above. In general, halva belongs to heavy foods, therefore it is not recommended for food to those who have any disturbances in the digestive system. It is not combined with chocolate, cheese, meat and dairy products. It’s better to eat it separately from everything else, for example, like a melon. We found that the benefits and harms of sunflower halva are determined by the state of health and moderation in use.
The right choice when buying
You can buy a truly tasty and healthy halva by studying a number of subtleties. The quality product is light, crumbles a little. She should not "cry" and be covered with a dark coating. Moisture, which appeared on the surface, indicates a violation of the rules of cooking technology, that is, they either put an excess of sugar or went too far with seeds. If the product is in a puddle of oil, storage conditions are violated. Halva does not tolerate temperatures above 18 degrees. Carefully inspect the product; it should not contain husks from nuts or seeds. That is what a quality sunflower halva should look like.
The benefits and harms also depend on the packaging. When choosing halva, pay attention to the packaging. Halvah long-term storage "hidden" in a vacuum. Sealed in this way, it is able to lie on the shelf of the store for six months. The shortest period of implementation for a weighted analogue, its feature is quick drying and the acquisition of a bitter taste. Halva is able to lie in cardboard packaging for about 60 days. Remember, this oriental sweetness easily absorbs odors, therefore it is recommended to store it in foil.
Here is such an amazing sweetness - sunflower halva! The benefits and harms, the calorie content of this treat were discussed in this article. You can talk about this product endlessly. But how can one refuse it? If there is a distrust of halva from the store, then everyone can cook it at home. Although it will taste slightly different, it will be completely natural.