Beloved by many, the sweetness was invented by the monks from Kolomna in the distant fourteenth century, and it was called pastille. The harm and benefits of this product is a topic that is being discussed everywhere. Some say that the dessert, invented back in the time of Ivan the Terrible, is too sweet and harmful to health. Others insist that marshmallow is an incredibly useful product for our body. Who is right? Today we’ll try to figure out where this dessert began its culinary journey from, what it consists of, what is useful and harmful.
A bit of history
To understand what the benefits and harms of pastilles are, you must first understand what ingredients it is made from. Kolomna monks used beaten applesauce for cooking. Most often, winter varieties of apples were taken. Egg whites and honey were added to them. After mixing all the ingredients, the mass was applied to a special wooden frame on which the fabric was stretched. Dried frames in a wood stove. After the apple mass reached the desired consistency, it was carefully removed and rolled up. Then it was cut into pieces of equal size.
The name of the treat comes from the Old Slavic word “sent”, that is, bed. In the time of Ivan the Terrible, the health benefits and harms of pastilles were not even discussed. The sweetness of “lay” was prepared in large quantities and was loved by all the gentlemen. Only at the beginning of the twentieth century did the letter “O” change to “A”, as a result, the delicacy loved by generations acquired a new name.
In the fourteenth century, the production of pastilles was considered a miracle. By adding beaten egg whites to the mass, the monks received a very delicate texture, literally producing a snowy light cloud. For a long time, the recipe, of course, was kept a secret. The pastille was prepared exclusively for the royal table. After several centuries, the recipe for cooking has become a national treasure. Since then, there has been a discussion about the benefits and harms of pastilles.
Structure
It just so happened that the pastille prepared by our ancestors, and the delicacy that we buy in modern supermarkets, are two completely different things. It is impossible to find a dessert prepared according to that old recipe today. In Soviet times, technology for the production of pastilles was invented, which simplified and accelerated the process. The result was a delicacy that more closely resembles marshmallows. This is the kind of product we see on store shelves. If initially exclusively acidic berries and fruits were added to the mass, then modern pastille has in its composition more sweet ingredients. Citric acid is used for acidity.
Calorie content
If we talk about the benefits and harms of pastilles for the body, then perhaps we should dwell a little on its calorie content. If a person follows the figure, adheres to proper nutrition or, conversely, is obese, then a treat with a calorie content of 324 kcal per 100 grams of product is harmful to him. However, plant fibers, as well as vitamins and minerals that make up the composition, are useful for the body.
The main types
There are several types of this delicacy, which differ in their properties and affect the human body in different ways. The benefits and harms of pastilles in this case will be different. For example, for the preparation of one option, only egg whites and honey are used, as in the old recipe. Such pastille, of course, will be much more useful. But there are varieties for the preparation of which molasses, pectin syrup, agar-agar, a large amount of sugar, etc. are used. Here the benefits of the product can already be disputed. Not only calorie content will differ, but also a nutritious, vitamin composition.
Beneficial features
Speaking about the benefits and dangers of fruit candy, do not forget about the composition. If we consider a more natural dessert, prepared according to the correct recipe and in compliance with production technology, then we can distinguish the following properties:
- The “correct” marshmallow will contain a large amount of simple carbohydrates and glucose. This allows you to quickly replenish energy costs, improve perception, improve mood.
- Apple marshmallow is considered one of the most useful, as it contains substances that help keep the whole body toned.
- If the product contains natural honey, not granulated sugar, then the product will be even more useful. This marshmallow quickly restores the supply of vitality, tones the body, adds vigor, improves mood, accelerates metabolism.
- Considering the benefits and harms of apple marshmallows, one cannot but say that a large number of plant fibers will necessarily be present in the dessert. Fiber will help improve digestion, normalize the intestines and stomach. This is a nutrient substrate for microflora.
- Pectin is also present in the composition of pastilles. This substance helps to remove heavy metals from the body, helps to improve the general condition.
- If we talk about apple marshmallow, then we can not fail to mention a large amount of iron. It will help improve the health status of people who suffer from anemia.
- The benefits of egg whites are out of the question. They are useful for people of any age. Protein helps the development and growth of internal organs. In addition, it is a real building material for muscles.
- Vitil B2 and PP are also part of the marshmallow. Pectin, which is also present in the dessert, helps to stabilize the liver, gastrointestinal tract, and thyroid gland. In addition, pectin will help restore the body in the postoperative period, as well as protect it from harmful substances from the environment.
Harmful properties
Of course, discussing the topic of the benefits and harms of apple pastille, one cannot but say negative points. With excessive use, even the most wholesome treats become harmful. Firstly, this is a dessert with a fairly high calorie content. Its use should be limited. Be sure to study the composition of the product in the store before putting it in your grocery basket. If a person suffers from diabetes, has problems with being overweight or teeth, then he is forbidden to consume marshmallows in large quantities. Children are also not recommended in large quantities to feast on marshmallows, since there is a high risk of a negative effect on tooth enamel and the occurrence of caries.
Unscrupulous manufacturers often use various syrups, preservatives and dyes to make pastille. This is completely not useful for the body substances that can cause poisoning and allergies.
Belevskaya marshmallow
In the distant 1888 in the city of Belev, the production of sweet delicacies from fruits and vegetables was opened. Since then it has been famous for its excellent taste, pleasant appearance, correct consistency. If we talk about the benefits and harms of Belevsky pastila, then, perhaps, there are no negative reviews for this product. Over the centuries, exclusively natural and high-quality ingredients have been used in production. Such a brand produces a tasty product with air bubbles and a soft cream color on store shelves.
Reviews
To summarize all of the above, we want to note that pastille is a delicacy loved by millions. There are always positive reviews for this product. Experienced housewives praise the recipe available in cooking, and those who do not cook pastille at home always enjoy buying it in a store. The main thing, as they say, is to know the measure. Any product will be useful if it is correctly selected or prepared.