What are the benefits of sunflower halva and what is it made from?

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Among confectionery products, halva has few competitors in terms of popularity. Chocolate, perhaps, and caramel candies, used not as dessert dishes, but rather as light entertainment between meals. And in the East, halva has no competitors at all. And not only due to the taste, but also the beneficial properties of the delicacy.

Despite the fact that this is a real dessert, such as, for example, cake or jam, it is also a truly healthy food for the body. It’s no joke, it has been prepared in the East for several thousand years, valued and glorified in folklore. Strict Muslims do not treat harmful foods this way.

Types of halva

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.

Various options for preparing sunflower delicacy make it more healthy or less healthy: it depends on the amount of sugar or honey added. Product history researchers have compiled a rough classification based on the main component:

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

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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, use honey, chocolate, and caramel.

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Varieties of sweets

Now there are many varieties of halva, which are prepared both according to classical and modern recipes, adding various atypical ingredients to the product [3]. However, there are only 6 real types of halva that were historically prepared in the East. The most famous type is sunflower halva, which is distinguished by its dry appearance, the absence of greasy streaks, oiliness and a grayish-greenish tint like real sunflower grains [4]. Such a product cannot contain bitterness, however, it should not be cloying in sweetness. Real sunflower halva is famous for its moderate sweetish taste, light color, dryness and light crumbly texture.

The next type of this sweet is the famous tahini halva. Her recipe contains sesame, which can give the product a bitter tint in taste. The color of tahini halva is yellowish-gray, without dark transitions or deep earthy shades.

Many people prefer to consume peanut halwa as it is very flavorful, creamy and quite healthy [5]. Also popular is nut halwa, made from different types of nuts, such as cashews, walnuts, almonds or pistachios, or perhaps all of them. Such a product can have different taste characteristics depending on the type of raw materials used in production.

Also, all of the above varieties of this sweet can be combined during production, as a result of which manufacturers receive a combined halva, for example, pistachio-sesame or sesame-peanut. Walnuts are often added to sunflower halva, and candied fruits and pieces of fruit are added to walnut halva.

Glazed halva is considered the “youngest” in terms of its origin. It is in high demand due to its exquisite taste, despite the fact that such a product is too high in calories and heavy on the stomach.

Composition and calorie content of sunflower halva

Sunflower halva can simultaneously bring benefits and harm to the body. It depends on the additional ingredients, the cooking conditions, and 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 production);
• additional ingredients (to taste).

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

They are rich in proteins and carbohydrates. There is 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 fact that the plant belongs to oilseed crops. The seeds and syrup make the sweet sunflower product high in calories: the figure is 523 kcal.

What is added

Very often, various foaming agents are added to the composition of halva. If these are plant roots - or, then they also bring certain beneficial substances to the body. If it is egg white, then it further enriches the body with amino acids, among which, by the way, are all essential for humans.

Today you can also find various flavoring and aromatic fillers in large quantities. They can be natural - chocolate, for example, or - also with beneficial qualities, or they can be synthetic, some of which are downright harmful. Therefore, in order not to feel the harm of halva on your body, when purchasing, you should carefully read the composition and prefer, although more expensive, natural and healthy products.

And in general, the body will be grateful for a portion of such a delicacy. And if you please yourself with it occasionally and little by little, then any negative consequences can easily be avoided.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS

Nutritional value and chemical composition of “Sunflower vanilla halva”.

The table shows the nutritional content (calories, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals) per 100 g of edible portion.

The energy value of sunflower vanilla halva is 516.2 kcal.

** This table shows the average levels of vitamins and minerals for an adult. If you want to know the norms taking into account your gender, age and other factors, then use the My Healthy Diet app. Main source: Skurikhin I.M. and others. Chemical composition of food products.

Beneficial properties of sunflower halva

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

Vitamin D affects the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in the body. This mechanism is necessary for the formation of bone tissue and tooth growth. According to research, 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 seeds have a beneficial effect on the digestive system, facilitating the digestion of food. They activate intestinal motility and help the body get rid of the harmful effects of toxins on the sensitive walls of the stomach.

The seeds also contain increased amounts of potassium. This is an important element that tends to regulate the operation of basic systems. Its lack causes significant harm. Immune strength is 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 level of carbohydrates. This property is considered by many nutritionists as an indicator of harm to the figure; the positive effect of halva is evidenced by an increase in the production of serotonin. This “joy” hormone allows a person to regulate the state of the nervous system and successfully cope with stress.

For women

The benefits of sunflower halva for women are evidenced by the collected statistical information. Its properties are beneficial for the female body if it is the only dessert on the menu. You should completely avoid the consumption of sugar and honey. Carbohydrates obtained from halva based on sunflower seeds are enough for the female body to:

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

For men

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

For children

Sunflower halva is not recommended to be given to children under 5 years of age. It is by this age that the type of eating behavior is fully formed. The child can not only reflexively, but also consciously digest and swallow food. If a child likes an unusual dessert, then adults will need to control the amount of sweets.

For the elderly

For older people, sunflower halva is beneficial as a preventive measure.

Composition elements affect the gastrointestinal tract:

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

Have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system:

• preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques;
• promoting the dilation of cerebral blood vessels.

Possible harm from consuming excessive amounts is an increase in blood sugar levels.

How to make at home

The general list of ingredients needed to prepare homemade sunflower halva includes:

• sunflower seeds - 450 g;
• wheat flour - 200 g;
• white granulated sugar - 150 g;
• water - 200 ml;
• unrefined sunflower oil - 60 ml;
• vanilla sugar - 15 g.

Step-by-step cooking process:

1. The first step is to toast the sunflower seeds until golden brown. To do this, pour all the seeds into a hot frying pan. Stirring continuously, fry them over moderate heat until they begin to exude a pleasant aroma and take on a golden yellow hue.
2. As soon as the seeds reach the desired appearance and aroma, it is very important to immediately pour them into a separate bowl and leave to cool.
3. Let's move on to the next process. Pour the pre-sifted wheat flour onto the frying pan that has not yet cooled down. It also needs to be lightly fried to acquire a beautiful beige hue.
4. During this time, the seeds had time to cool completely. Grind them using a blender or meat grinder. If you have a small blender, you will have to do the process in two steps.
5. As soon as the seeds take on a pasty consistency and begin to stick to the walls of the blender, they can be considered sufficiently crushed. Pour the resulting powder into the pan with the flour. Put it on fire. Lightly fry the mixture, trying to achieve a uniform consistency. If you still have lumps, it’s not a big deal at this stage.
6. To prepare the sugar syrup, pour all the prepared sugar, as well as vanilla sugar, into a small saucepan with water. Immediately start stirring the liquid - the sugar should completely dissolve in the water. The fire should be moderate. Boil the syrup for 10 minutes (until ready). Leave the finished syrup to cool.
7. Once the mixture of seeds and flour has cooled down, pass it through the blender again. Mix until all flour lumps disappear. Transfer the prepared sunflower base into a large bowl.
8. Pour unrefined sunflower oil into the now cooled sugar syrup and stir until smooth.
9. Pour the syrup and butter into the sunflower mixture. Stir vigorously - the powder should be completely saturated with syrup.
10. Place the halva in a mold (for example, a plastic container with a tight lid). Distribute evenly and compact the mixture tightly with a spoon. The surface should be flat and smooth.
11. Cover the container tightly with a lid and place the product in the refrigerator to harden. Halva should stay there for at least 4 hours, and preferably overnight.

Video: how to prepare halva at home The finished dessert easily comes away from the container, holds its shape perfectly, and is not very hard. In addition, halva prepared according to this recipe cuts perfectly and does not crumble much. If you prefer a thicker product, use less butter and syrup - the halva will be firmer.

To serve, cut the delicacy into portions. Serve exactly the quantity you plan to eat immediately. Store the product in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container so that it does not lose its aroma, taste and shape.

As you can see, the oriental dessert is not only incredibly tasty, but also brings great benefits to the body. Don’t turn healthy sweets into dangerous foods that are forbidden to you, ration the portions and enjoy the taste!

Is sunflower halva suitable for pregnant and lactating women?

While expecting a child, many women have an increased need to consume 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 vitamins B 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 preserve skin and hair, vitamin D strengthens the teeth and spine, and also promotes the formation of the child’s skeleton and, in addition, improves the sleep and mental state of the pregnant woman, protecting against depression. The beneficial properties of magnesium affect the formation of muscle mass and the cardiovascular system, preventing anemia, and also serve as protection against the action of free radicals. The influence of folic acid will have a beneficial effect in the first trimester of pregnancy during the formation of the genetic material of the fetus.

A contraindication for consuming halva will be the last trimester of pregnancy due to the high risk of harm from allergies not only for the mother, but also for 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 can make mother's milk richer.

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

Attention! Possible harm may be caused by an allergy to sunflower seeds or a reaction to honey.

Is sunflower halva good for weight loss?

Sweets do not help you get rid of extra pounds. They are usually excluded from the diet of those who adhere to the rules of the diet. The benefits of sunflower halva for weight loss can only be seen if consumption is strictly limited and does not exceed 30 g.

If you give up other sweets, sunflower halva can be useful as the only source of serotonin. In addition, it is saturated with folic acid and beneficial microelements, the supply of which is noticeably reduced when losing weight.

Contraindications

If you are overweight, have an individual intolerance to ingredients, or have a number of diseases, you should avoid eating halva. First of all, this applies to people suffering from:

• acute pancreatitis;
• obesity;
• diabetes mellitus;
• diathesis;
• caries;
• urolithiasis;
• liver pathologies.

Oriental sweets eaten in large quantities will not bring any benefit to the body, since this product contains a lot of fat and sucrose. Also, some manufacturers introduce not very healthy additives into their products, for example, molasses and flavor enhancers.

Is halva allowed for gastritis and diabetes?

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

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

Standards for the use of sunflower halva

The benefits and harms of halva for the human body depend on compliance with consumption standards.

Modern nutritionists are of the opinion that a moderate amount of any product cannot harm anyone. An oriental dessert rich in fats and carbohydrates must be dosed correctly so as not to cause harm to the body.

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

Product calorie analysis

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Ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates:

Knowing the contribution of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to calorie content, you can understand how well a product or diet meets the standards of a healthy diet or the requirements of a certain diet. For example, the US and Russian Departments of Health recommend 10-12% of calories come from protein, 30% from fat and 58-60% from carbohydrates. The Atkins diet recommends low carbohydrate intake, although other diets focus on low fat intake.

If more energy is expended than it is received, the body begins to use up fat reserves, and body weight decreases.

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Energy value, or calorie content

- this is the amount of energy released in the human body from food during the digestion process. The energy value of the product is measured in kilocalories (kcal) or kilojoules (kJ) per 100 grams. product. The kilocalorie used to measure the energy value of food is also called a food calorie, so when caloric content is reported in (kilo)calories, the prefix kilo is often omitted. You can see detailed energy value tables for Russian products.

The nutritional value

— content of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the product.

Nutritional value of food product

- a set of properties of a food product, in the presence of which the physiological needs of a person for the necessary substances and energy are satisfied.

Vitamins

, organic substances required in small quantities in the diet of both humans and most vertebrates. Vitamin synthesis is usually carried out by plants, not animals. A person's daily requirement for vitamins is only a few milligrams or micrograms. Unlike inorganic substances, vitamins are destroyed by strong heat. Many vitamins are unstable and are “lost” during cooking or food processing.

Halva

is a traditional sweet for many eastern countries. This is one of those delicacies that appeared in the East and was loved by Westerners. This is a very tasty dish, which is distinguished by its sweetness; it is not for nothing that the word halva itself is translated from Arabic as sweet, but it is not a cloying product.

Today, several varieties of halva made from a wide variety of raw materials can be purchased on the open market. One of the varieties of this sweet is sunflower halva, made from sunflower seeds.

Homemade sunflower halva recipe

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

The advantage of cooking yourself 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 takes a long time as the result should be a smooth, golden brown paste.

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Water and sugar are mixed with vanillin and simmered over low heat until caramel syrup forms. Beat the egg white. Pour in the caramel in a thin stream, continuing to whisk vigorously so as not to spoil the protein. The paste and hot caramel are mixed, compacted into storage containers, cooled and put in the refrigerator for several hours.

How to store at home

If you do not plan to store the dessert for a long time, it is enough to keep it in a vase, covered with a dry towel. The product cannot be stored in cellophane or polyethylene, where moisture, which is destructive in this case, can easily form. There are no useful substances left in a damp delicacy.

In addition, under such conditions, the consistency and taste of sweets can change so much that it becomes impossible to eat.

Important! It is extremely important to minimize contact
of the oily product with air and light. Halva is afraid of moisture - any moisture should be excluded. Failure to comply with these rules risks the formation of mold in the product that is dangerous to humans.
It is necessary to keep halva in a room where the temperature does not fluctuate, exceeding +18 °C. Since this dessert requires a relatively cool place, it is better to keep it in the refrigerator.

So, after purchasing a treat, you should unwrap it, put it in a glass or ceramic container with a lid and keep it in the refrigerator.

Harm of sunflower halva and contraindications

The number of calories in 100 g of product is evidence that halva cannot be completely healthy. If the dosage is incorrect and the oriental sweet is mixed with other sugar-containing products, it can be harmful for people with diabetes.

Sweetness may be harmful to those who are susceptible to allergic reactions.

People who have pancreatic diseases should not use it. Increased production of gastric juice can provoke an exacerbation of the disease.

What is the benefit

Due to its rich vitamin composition, sunflower delicacy is indicated in the fight against a number of diseases. Vitamin B1 is necessary for people with nervous system disorders and heart diseases.

The product helps normalize blood pressure, prevents the development of neuroses, and prevents problems with the heart and blood vessels. You may have even noticed some improvement in your memory after frequent consumption of this treat.

It also has a positive effect on the state of the digestive system - the digestion of carbohydrates accelerates, and the process of secretion of gastric juice proceeds faster. A small portion of dessert satisfies hunger, generally strengthens and increases the body's defenses.

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 beneficial properties and can only cause harm when taken. To choose a good halva, it is enough to carefully evaluate its external properties.

Halva is sold by weight or hermetically sealed. Both options have their advantages. Weight halva is most often fresh, with a minimum storage period. Packaging extends shelf life, but can significantly change beneficial properties.