Halva - calories and properties. The benefits and harms of halva

An oriental sweet called halva is known everywhere. It was first made in Iran, and then the popularity of the product quickly reached Russia. And this is not surprising, because halva has a pleasant taste and aroma that drives even an opponent of sweets crazy. It is worth noting that even today people in eastern countries do not trust machines to make this delicacy: they make it by hand. Undoubtedly, halva brings invaluable benefits to the human body, but in some cases the product can cause harm.

Calorie content and chemical composition

There are more than 100 varieties of halva, but traditionally, the first place is occupied by sunflower, second by nut, third by tahini and sesame (purely oriental options). The chemical composition and calorie content of the species differ, which is explained by the variety of raw materials.

Calories in halva and the struggle for a figure

Of course, traditional medicine recommends that those who are overweight avoid any type of product. There are a lot of calories in halva, and even a small portion can completely negate a restrictive diet. A few bites of sweets may provide more nutritional value than a standard lunch or dinner. However, some nutritionists are now considering halva as a component of a weight loss diet. The calorie content of halva is very high, but its property is also the ability to suppress appetite for a long time. After 30 grams of halva, many feel so full that they are ready to give up dinner altogether. If other ways to lose weight don't seem too attractive to you, then try losing weight with a halva-based diet. You can eat 200 grams of the product per day. The calorie content of halva in this quantity is approximately 1000-1050 kilocalories. In addition to sweets, you can eat an unlimited amount of raw vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, cabbage) per day. Thirst should be quenched with unsweetened tea or drinking water. You can eat according to this system for about 3 days without harm to your health. The calorie content of halva with such a diet will not harm your figure. Due to the fact that this confectionery product is excessively rich in sugar and fat, hunger is almost not felt during such a diet.

Halva has been known to the world since the 5th century BC.

It was first produced in Iran.

How she got to Russia is unknown to anyone.

But its popularity rapidly gained momentum and became widespread.

Pleasant aroma, unique taste, crumbly consistency - this sweetness has won our hearts since childhood.

Halva is a product of oriental cuisine. As you know, people of the East know a lot about taste. They put all their love and soul into the product. It is interesting to note that in Eastern countries, halva is still made by hand.

What is its composition?

The main components are as follows:

Soap root

Walnuts, almonds, peanuts or sunflower seeds

Halva comes in different forms

. There are about a hundred of its varieties. Here are a few of the most popular types that candy stores currently offer:

Nut – based on nuts: almonds, pistachios, cashews

Sunflower – based on sunflower seeds

Sesame - has a bitter taste and gray color

Combined - for example, sesame with peanuts or sunflower seeds with candied fruits are combined

Chocolate - halva in glaze, high in calories, but very tasty

How is it made?

Chop the nuts, beat until smooth, adding caramel. And, of course, soap root is definitely added. It is he who is responsible for the correct structure of halva.

Beneficial features

The calorie content of halva is high, but if you consume it in moderation - no more than 30 g per day, then such a dose will not cause much harm to your figure and health. It is noteworthy that each type of halva has its own beneficial properties.

For example, pistachio is especially recommended for use by athletes, as it relaxes muscles and helps restore strength after intense training. Sesame is a natural aphrodisiac, chocolate (glazed) is a powerful antidepressant. All types of oriental sweets also have common beneficial properties:

1. Increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood, which is explained by the increased content of iron.
2. A large amount of vitamins allows the body to partially compensate for the deficiency of these substances.
3. It has a calming effect on the nerves, so much so that it can take on the function of a weak sleeping pill.
4. It has a beneficial effect on the heart because it contains potassium and magnesium.
5. Helps normalize blood pressure.
6. Stops the growth of tumors (both malignant and benign).
7. Recommended for use by people engaged in mental work, because it contains glucose and PUFAs necessary to nourish the brain.
8. Strengthens intestinal motility and helps eliminate congestion.
9. It has a positive effect on the reproductive organs (both male and female) due to the content of folic acid.
10. In terms of protein composition, halva is close to meat, therefore, it is a valuable source of amino acids.
11. Strengthens the body after long-term illness and surgical interventions.
12. Slows down the aging process.

Let's sum it up

Halva is a very healthy and nutritious product. It is recommended for many diseases, as a prevention against cancer, and as a remedy that improves the condition of hair, teeth and nails. But for allergies, diabetes, gastritis and obesity, halva is contraindicated. It is also worth limiting yourself to the consumption of this sweet for healthy people; after all, the product is very high in calories, and in large doses it will be harmful to the figure. Try to buy only high-quality halva without dyes and flavoring additives, remember that only it can benefit beauty and health.

Types of halva

Sunflower

It is most common, at least in Russian-speaking countries. This is not such an ancient product as its eastern “brothers”, because sunflower halva appeared in the 20th century. In addition to vitamins, minerals, PUFAs and protein, it contains phytosterol. This is a biologically valuable substance that removes excess cholesterol, prevents the appearance of atherosclerosis and effectively fights cancer cells. By the way, a deficiency of phytosterol in the body in men provokes the appearance of prostatitis.

Almond

A real delicacy, especially useful for pregnant women and those watching their figure. This is perhaps the lowest calorie variety, which is “poor in fat”, but rich in proteins, vitamin D, potassium and magnesium. The starting raw material is sweet almonds.

Peanut

It is worth paying attention to all women who care about their own health and appearance. This dessert contains a huge amount of “rejuvenating” substances, as well as valuable PUFAs, which help give the skin, nails and hair an absolutely luxurious look. The product has a creamy color and a dense structure, and inside it you can often find pieces of candied fruit (typical of the classic version).

Tahini (Persian)

To prepare it, use tahini paste, which is made from sesame seeds by thoroughly grinding. Tahini paste is a universal product, because it can be found in various appetizers and sauces that are so rich in oriental cuisine. Tahini halva has a somewhat unusual taste and is rich in beneficial substances that relieve headaches and have a positive effect on the respiratory system.

Sesame

Many people believe that tahini halva and sesame halva are two identical products. But this is actually not the case because no tahini paste is used for sesame halwa and this dessert consists entirely of roasted sesame seeds along with other ingredients. Sesame halva is inferior to tahini in a number of respects, but it is lower in calories and has identical beneficial properties.

Pistachio

It is possible that it is the most useful of all types of halva, because it contains a record amount of natural antioxidants, phosphorus and special substances that help neutralize lactic acid in the muscles. As you know, it is the formation of lactic acid that causes pain in the muscles after heavy physical exertion. Therefore, this product should be considered by bodybuilders, athletes and people engaged in heavy physical labor.

We listen to the experts

Coaches, nutritionists, and athletes also enjoy pampering themselves with halva. This oriental sweet is good for athletes and students, pregnant women and weakened people. You just need to follow some recommendations that apply to everyone who follows a healthy diet and watches their weight.

Anna Chaikina, nutritionist

This specialist says that halva is useful for psycho-emotional and mental stress. This sweetness effectively compensates for the lack of sugar during intellectual stress. It is very useful to give it to children and students during the school year. But you need to eat only a small piece per day, no more than 20-30 g.

Elena Malysheva, doctor, host of the TV program “Health”

This doctor confirms that oriental sweetness stabilizes metabolic processes. The product lowers cholesterol levels in the blood and prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in arterial vessels, slowing down the course of existing atherosclerosis. But we must remember that 100 grams of this sweetness contains 50% of the daily calorie requirement.

When choosing this delicacy, you need to make sure that it does not contain droplets of fat. A good quality product is dry. Too sticky oriental sweetness indicates a high content of caramel. And this is not useful. The sweetness should be stored in a tightly closed jar for no more than 2 months.

Kozlov Alexander, coach

This specialist believes that halva quickly restores an athlete after a workout and gives energy for the whole day. Those who train a lot can safely eat it, they will burn extra calories during training.

National and local species

1. Greek. Consists of walnuts, almonds, semolina, raisins, spices and olive oil.
2. Tverskaya. Walnut-sunflower.
3. Uzbek. There are several types - with pistachios, walnuts, with milk, with chocolate.
4. Samarkand. It is prepared from whipped egg whites, ground into a paste of cashew nuts, cream, vanilla, and sugar. In the middle there is a cashew filling.
5. Sheki. You can find cilantro and cardamom in the composition.
6. Kokand. Prepared with cream, it contains a large number of “various” nuts and chocolate.
7. Azovskaya. Made from sunflower seeds. This is a glazed dessert.
8. Ingush. Contains cornmeal and walnuts.
9. Chechen. It differs from Ingush only in the type of flour (wheat).
10. Tajik. The structure contains caramel fibers.
11. Indian. It is prepared with sweet carrots, bottle gourd, spices, nuts, flour, and juices.
12. Turkish. Key ingredients: nut butter, sugar, honey.
13. Tanzanian. Based on coconut milk.

Composition of the product

The chefs prepared the first halva for the Persian king Darius I, a famous lover of sweets. He highly valued skilled cooks and did not skimp on sharing recipes with them. Thanks to this ruler, halva became famous in several countries at once. In the East, it is prepared as a festive and everyday dish, and is also presented as a gift.

The taste of halva depends on its components. Cognac is added for flavor, and sugar or honey adds sweetness to the dessert. Some recipes include vanilla, dried fruits. Halva comes with flour (corn or rice), semolina, nuts and seeds, vegetables (pumpkin, beans or sweet carrots are suitable), and cotton candy. Liquid honey, caramel or chocolate are used as thickeners.

The benefits and harms of sunflower halva depend on the ingredients included in its composition and the method of preparation. The amount of dessert consumed is also of great importance.

Sunflower seeds are used to prepare the dessert. They contain a lot of carbohydrates and proteins: there are about 53 g of them in 100 g of product. Sweet syrup makes the product high in calories (523 kcal per 100 g).

Live healthy! Halva: benefits and harm. 08/06/2018

The benefits of halva during pregnancy and lactation

Almond halva will be especially useful for pregnant women; the product has a positive effect on the formation of several systems of the unborn child at once. If it is not possible to purchase this variety, you can use sunflower halva, which:

• promotes the normal course of pregnancy;
• has a positive effect on the digestive process;
• partially satisfies the body’s need for minerals and vitamins;
• normalizes oxygen metabolism;
• strengthens the heart.

You should not abuse this delicacy, especially in the later stages, as this will contribute to excess weight gain and the onset of diabetes. Nursing mothers can use the product with great caution, as it can cause allergies in the child.

Halva helps restore the body, relieves postpartum depression and helps increase the production of breast milk. But since it belongs to the category of “heavy” food, it is not recommended for women with gastrointestinal diseases to consume it.

In order not to harm your health and figure, you should familiarize yourself with the daily intake of halva: for children over 5 years old - 20-25 g, for those losing weight and pregnant women - no more than 30, for absolutely healthy people - no more than 50 g. Women who have passed the “Balzac age” should reduce the amount of calories they consume, and a “children’s” dose of 20-25 g is recommended.

What to look for when choosing

High-quality halva should be:

• without drops of liquid on the surface, which indicate a violation of the production technology and the use of a large amount of caramel mass;
• fibrous texture with white threads of caramel;
• pleasant aroma characteristic of the raw material;
• current expiration date.

Fresh sunflower halva does not stick to the teeth and easily dissolves in the mouth.

Fresh product

How to choose the right halva

Before purchasing halva in a store, you should carefully check whether the integrity of the packaging has been damaged. A product that is not hermetically packaged loses a lot in quality because oxygen accelerates the oxidation process of fats, causing them to go rancid.

A high-quality product does not have any stains on the surface, including oil stains. There should be no foreign inclusions inside or on the break in the form of husks or caramel veins. When cutting a product with a knife, it should not crumble, and wrinkled edges are the first sign that the manufacturer has introduced cheap substitutes into the recipe. Only sesame halva has a bitter taste, while sunflower halva has a fibrous-layered structure.

Useful composition of sunflower halva

When preparing halva, all quality requirements regulated by production or the state must be taken into account. Thus, according to GOST, sunflower halva should contain a maximum of 20% sugars, which can restore their chemical reactions. To prepare the delicacy, only high-quality raw materials are used - sunflower seeds.

Also, molasses and sugar are used in the production of dessert. Licorice root, marshmallow extract, and lecithin are used as foaming agents. The last component is required to give the halva airiness. It is allowed to add sweeteners and flavor enhancers such as raisins, vanillin, cocoa. And to prevent the oxidation process, ascorbic acid is added to the product.

Subject to all the rules and conditions of preparation, sunflower halva will contain a number of vitamins and minerals. Thus, the vitamin composition is represented by the following components: vitamins B1, B2, B9, PP, E, F. Among the minerals and trace elements, it is worth highlighting the following:

• Potassium;
• Phosphorus;
• Iron;
• Calcium;
• Sodium;
• Magnesium.

A high-quality oriental dessert contains polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6. These fatty acids are necessary for the complete absorption of vitamins K, D, E, A. It is known that these vitamins are fat-soluble. This means they do not dissolve in plain water.

How to prepare halva at home

The most accessible ingredient (and common) is sunflower seeds. If desired, they can be replaced with sesame seeds or peanuts. The recipe for making homemade halva is simple, and you will need:

• Unpeeled, roasted seeds or peanuts - 4 tbsp.
• Wheat flour – 2 tbsp.
• Sugar – 10 tbsp. l.
• Water – 1.5 -2 tbsp.
• Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp. l.

Using a meat grinder, grind the roasted unpeeled seeds. Fry the flour in a dry frying pan until dark golden brown, and mix it with the resulting mass in a suitable bowl. Boil water in a saucepan, pour oil into it and add sugar.

The task is to cook the syrup, which is done over low heat, with constant stirring. Cooking time – 15 minutes. Afterwards, you need to carefully pour the syrup into the prepared mass and mix thoroughly. Wrap the resulting mixture in cellophane and put it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.

Varieties of sesame halva

The basis of tahini delicacy is sesame grains, molasses or sugar-based caramel. The inclusion of other nutritional supplements in halva makes it possible to obtain an improved and even more tasty product.

There are the following types of sesame halva:

• with raisins;
• peanuts;

• walnuts and almonds;
• honey;
• coconut flakes;
• pistachios;
• vanilla

Housewives who prepare sesame halva themselves, while at home, experiment and add their own ingredients to this oriental delicacy. If the product will not be stored for more than 2 days, then dried fruits and berries can be included in its composition.

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.

The effect of halva on the human body

Halva has a beneficial effect on the human body. The very first results are noticeable to the naked eye - hair falls out less, grows faster, becomes shiny, filled with vitality.

Sweetness is also good for teeth: calcium helps strengthen them. The product improves the general condition of the body, fights many diseases, improves memory, skin and nails.

Question answer

Is it possible to eat halva if you have type 2 diabetes? Recipes for several types of halva have been developed for diabetics, and all of them are made using sweeteners. A regular product sold in a store is prohibited for use by persons suffering from diabetes, regardless of its type.

Is it possible to eat halva with pancreatitis? If the disease is in the acute stage, then this product is completely excluded from the diet. In the chronic form and in remission, the daily dose of oriental sweets should not exceed 20 g.

Is sunflower halva good for weight loss? A complete refusal of sweets provokes eating and nervous breakdowns. When losing weight, it is better to eat halva prepared independently, consisting of honey, fructose, sunflower seeds and flax. Daily dose – maximum 30 g.

How much can you eat per day?

If a person is healthy, he can eat halva as much as he wants. But given the high calorie content and the danger of gaining extra pounds, you should limit yourself to 35 grams. Still depends on your level of physical activity. If you play sports or do hard physical work, you can eat more, since the calories will be used up.

Important! Halva should not be eaten at once along with chocolate, cheese, meat, and dairy products. This combination of products overloads the digestive system, and in people with pathologies of the digestive system, it can cause heartburn, nausea, heaviness in the stomach, and bloating.