What is sunflower halva useful and what is it made of

Halva is an oriental sweet that has fans all over the world. The dessert has Arab roots, but has long won the hearts of the inhabitants of other parts of the planet. Halva is made from oilseeds, cotton candy, nuts and even vegetables. The benefits and harms of sunflower halva are a topic of ongoing controversy over the past centuries.

Halva types

Halva first appeared in Persia in the 5th century. It was prepared by the best chefs in the country for Darius I, who loved sweets. He highly appreciated the efforts of his subjects and generously shared the recipe with neighboring countries, so halva conquered the entire East. Since then, halva has occupied a prominent place on the tables of Eastern peoples; it is prepared for celebrations, feasts, as a gift and for ordinary tea parties.

The variety of options for making sunflower treats make them more useful or less useful, depending on the amount of sugar or honey added. Product history researchers have compiled a rough classification based on the main component:

• flour (use rice, corn or semolina);
• vegetables (prepared on the basis of sweet healthy carrots, beans or pumpkin);
• cotton candy;
• seeds and nuts (sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, peanuts, sesame seeds are used).

Halva made from seeds or nuts is considered the most popular. It is customary to add different elements to the main ingredients. To give the correct consistency, honey, chocolate, caramel are used.

Composition and calorie content of sunflower halva

Sunflower halva is able to both benefit and harm the body. It depends on the additional ingredients, on the cooking conditions, as well as on the amount of dessert.

To analyze the benefits or harms of sunflower seed halva, it is necessary to study the properties of its composition. Dessert contains:

• crushed seeds;
• sugar, honey, or molasses;
• soap root (added in industrial conditions);
• additional ingredients (to taste).

The sunflower, as a member of the Aster family, bears fruit in the form of seeds. To get them, you need to peel sunflower husks. Under it, you can find light, dense grains, which release sunflower oil under pressure.

They are rich in protein and carbohydrates. There are about 53 g of fat in 100 g of the product. The property of seeds to secrete oil is called the main one, it is explained by the belonging of the plant to oilseeds. Seeds and syrup make the sweet sunflower product high in calories: the figure is 523 kcal.

Useful properties of sunflower halva

The benefits and harms of such sweetness as halva depend on the qualities of the seeds, which have different effects on the body.The composition of the grains is unique: it combines vitamins, micro- and macroelements, as well as valuable amino acids.

Vitamin D affects the exchange of calcium and phosphorus in the body. This mechanism is necessary for the formation of bone tissue, the growth of teeth. According to studies, vitamin D, which is contained in large quantities in sunflower seeds, is a participant in preventive processes to prevent the development of atherosclerosis.

The structure and composition of the seeds have a beneficial effect on the digestive system, facilitating the digestion of food. They activate intestinal peristalsis, help the body get rid of the harmful effects of toxins on the sensitive walls of the stomach.

Sunflower seeds also contain increased amounts of potassium. This is an important element that has the ability to regulate the operation of the main systems. Its lack brings tangible harm. Immune forces are impaired, this is expressed in muscle weakness, general fatigue, and deterioration of the skin.

Caramel, honey or molasses are added to sunflower seeds to give the necessary consistency and volume. The property of these components is to saturate the body, give strength and increase energy. This is due to the high carbohydrate content. This property is considered by many nutritionists as an indicator of harm to the figure, in favor of the positive effect of halva is an increase in the production of serotonin. This hormone of "joy" allows a person to regulate the state of the nervous system, to successfully cope with stress.

For women

The collected statistical information testifies to the benefits of sunflower halva for women. Its properties are useful for the female body if this is the only dessert on the menu. The use of sugar and honey should be completely excluded. The carbohydrates obtained from halva based on sunflower seeds are enough for the female body to:

• improve hormonal levels;
• normalize the reproductive system;
• improve the condition of hair, nails, facial skin.

For men

Modern nutritionists speak about the effect of sunflower halva on the body of men: the benefit of including dessert in the diet lies in improving the activity of the reproductive system. Sweetness can affect the body as a general tonic.

For children

It is not advised to give sunflower halva to children under 5 years old. It is by this age that the type of eating behavior is fully formed. The child is able not only reflexively, but also consciously to digest and swallow food. If a child likes an unusual dessert, then adults will need to control the amount of sweet.

For the elderly

For people aged sunflower halva is beneficial as a preventive measure.

The elements of the composition affect the gastrointestinal tract:

• facilitating the digestion of food;
• cleansing the intestines of harmful substances.

Have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system:

• preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques;
• contributing to the expansion of blood vessels in the brain.

Potential harm from excessive consumption is an increase in blood sugar levels.

Can sunflower halva be pregnant and lactating

While waiting for a child, many women have an increased need for sweets. Halva is a good alternative to flour desserts and sugar-containing cakes. Doctors recommend choosing classic cooking options, without adding auxiliary components.

The group of B vitamins will help with the special condition of a woman, when the compensating functions of the bone tissue of the mother's body are high, helps to preserve the skin and hair, vitamin D strengthens the teeth and spine, and also contributes to the formation of the child's skeleton, and in addition, improves sleep and mental state of the pregnant woman, saving depression.The beneficial properties of magnesium affect the formation of muscle mass and the cardiovascular system, preventing anemia, and also serve as protection against free radicals. The influence of folic acid will have a beneficial effect in the first trimester of pregnancy in the process of forming the genetic material of the fetus.

Contraindication to the use of halva will be the last trimester of pregnancy due to the high risk of allergy harm not only to the mother, but also to the unborn child. During this period, halva should be replaced with a vegetable sweetener, for example, healthy stevia.

For nursing mothers, halva is beneficial as a source of nutrients. They are able to make breast milk richer.

But the possible development of allergic reactions can harm the baby, who reacts to all the elements contained in the mother's milk.

Is sunflower halva useful for losing weight

Sweets don't help you shed those extra pounds. They are usually excluded from the diet of those who adhere to dietary rules. The benefits of sunflower halva for weight loss can be manifested only if the use is strictly limited and is no more than 30 g.

When avoiding other sweets, sunflower halva can be beneficial as the only source of serotonin. In addition, it is saturated with folic acid and useful trace elements, the supply of which is noticeably reduced during weight loss.

Is halva allowed for gastritis and diabetes

These diseases are directly related to what a person eats. Sunflower dessert is not recommended for exacerbation of gastritis. Oils, sugars and fiber harm the inflamed stomach walls, causing pain syndromes.

Sunflower halva is not recommended for diabetics because of its high sugar content. In order not to worsen blood counts and not cause harm, choose a method of cooking with a fruit substitute. You can try a dessert made yourself without adding dangerous ingredients.

Sunflower halva consumption rates

The benefits and harms of halva for the human body depend on compliance with the norms of use.

Modern nutritionists are of the opinion that a moderate amount of any product can harm no one. An oriental dessert rich in fats and carbohydrates should be dosed correctly so as not to harm the body.

For diabetics and people who are overweight, the recommended daily allowance is 30 g. Those who do not have extra pounds are allowed to increase the figure to 50 g per day.

Homemade sunflower halva recipe

The classic recipe for oriental sweetness at home involves the use of peeled sunflower seeds.

The advantage of self-preparation is confidence in the naturalness and benefits of the products used.

• seeds - 500 g;
• granulated sugar - 250 g;
• egg white;
• water - 80 ml;
• vanillin.

The seeds are ground in a blender or food processor. This process is time-consuming as the result should be a smooth, golden brown paste.

Water and sugar are mixed with vanilla, cooked over low heat until caramel syrup is formed. Beat the egg white. Caramel is poured in a thin stream, continuing to beat intensively so as not to spoil the protein. The pasta and hot caramel are mixed, tamped into storage containers, cooled and put into the refrigerator for several hours.

The harm of sunflower halva and contraindications

The number of calories per 100 g of the product is evidence that halva cannot be completely useful. With the wrong dosage and mixing of oriental sweets with other sugar-containing products, its harm can affect people with diabetes.

The sweetness can be harmful to those with allergic reactions.

It should not be used by people who have pancreatic diseases. Increased production of gastric juice can provoke an exacerbation of the disease.

How to choose sunflower halva

In conditions of fierce competition in the market, manufacturers often cheat and try to sell a low-quality product that has lost all its useful properties and can only do harm from reception. To choose a good halva, it is enough to carefully evaluate its external properties.

Halva is sold by weight or sealed. Both options have their advantages. Halva by weight is most often fresh, with a minimum storage period. Packages extend the shelf life, but can significantly change the beneficial properties.

How to store sunflower halva

The packaging allows you to keep halva for up to 6 months, but with a slight depressurization, the properties of the composition are quickly violated. Fresh halva is recommended to be stored in a glass container with a tightly closed lid at a temperature of no more than +18 ° C for 2 months.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of sunflower halva depend on many related factors. Proper preparation, storage conditions and moderate intake will allow you to experience all the advantages of sweetness. It is not for nothing that the oriental dessert is called by the Arabs "the gift of the gods": the optimal combination of flavors makes it unforgettable.