Emma Miller
The benefits of halva are invaluable. It not only satisfies hunger, but also normalizes digestion, calms the nerves, and reduces the risk of a heart attack. However, not everyone can eat halva.
Halva belongs to oriental sweets and is a favorite tea treat for many people. Since halva is very sweet, many people are used to thinking that it consists mainly of sugar and therefore has no benefits for the body. In fact, this is not true – the benefits of halva are invaluable. At the same time, halva also has contraindications, and some people should never eat this dessert.
What is halva made of?
There are many types of halva: tahini halva (made from sesame seeds), sunflower halva (made from sunflower seeds), and nut halva. The basis for the latter is different types of nuts: peanuts, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and cashews.
Halva consists of a protein mass (obtained from seeds or nuts), a sweetener (sugar, molasses, or honey), and a foaming agent (licorice root, marshmallow root, or egg white). Halva can also contain various flavoring additives: vanilla, cocoa, and raisins.
What are the benefits of halva?
Halva is a protein dessert. It is rich in riboflavin, niacin, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and folic acid. It also contains dietary fiber and maltose. In terms of protein content, halva is on par with meat. However, eating meat increases cholesterol levels in the body, and eating halva has no consequences, as it contains only unsaturated fats.
The only disadvantage of halva is its high-calorie content. 100 g of the product contains about 550 kilocalories. In addition, the presence of sugar in the halva may cause doubts about the benefits of halva. If it is replaced with honey or maple syrup, the benefits of halva will be difficult to underestimate.
The pronounced benefits of halva for the body will be noticeable in case of colds, anemia, stroke, exhaustion, and loss of strength after a severe long-term illness.
Useful properties of halva:
- strengthens the immune system;
- activates blood circulation;
- dilates cerebral vessels;
- dissolves cholesterol plaques;
- prevents thrombosis and development of atherosclerosis;
- treats heart diseases;
- lowers blood pressure;
- activates intestinal peristalsis;
- normalizes digestion;
- calms the nerves;
- increases stress resistance;
- relieves insomnia;
- stops hair loss;
- strengthens bone tissue, teeth, and nails;
- reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung and intestinal cancer;
- satisfies hunger, and fills the body with energy and vitality.
Who should not eat halva?
People with diabetes, pancreatitis, and cholecystitis should exclude halva from their diet. It is also not recommended to combine this dessert with other sweets and bakery products, as it is quite satisfying and high in calories.
Halva is contraindicated for those who are trying to lose weight. You should not choose halva with additional sugar, because its excess is harmful to teeth. In addition, people with allergies to seeds or nuts from which it is made should not eat halva.
How much halva can you eat per day?
Halva should be eaten in moderation. Nutritionists say that 30 grams per day are enough.
Benefits of halva for women
Sunflower halva is the most common version of this dessert. Its benefits are especially noticeable for the female body. Sunflower seeds are rich in biotin, alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), and beta-sitosterol, which are essential for a woman’s health. The benefits of halva are comparable to those of avocado.
Which halva is the healthiest
Tahini halva is very tasty and healthy. It contains vitamins A, B1, B2, E, iron, and calcium.
Tahini halva should not be eaten if you are allergic to sesame seeds or if you suffer from diverticulitis, in which sesame seeds are also contraindicated. This type of halva also contains a lot of calories (510 kcal per 100 g).
Sunflower halva contains 550 kcal, 30 g of fat, 51 g of carbohydrates, and 12 g of protein per 100 g of product. It contains many vitamins and minerals necessary for the normal functioning of the body, including selenium, magnesium, copper, and vitamin E.
This halva should not be eaten in large quantities due to the high amount of phosphorus. Although it is considered beneficial, its excess is harmful to liver tissue.
Peanut halva contains 510 kcal, 12 g of protein, 30 g of fat, and 48 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. It contains many vitamins and minerals, including the powerful antioxidant resveratrol. In general, peanuts are comparable to strawberries and blueberries in terms of antioxidants.
Peanut halva is not as healthy as peanuts in their pure form, but still retains most of their beneficial properties.
The downside of peanuts is that they contain oxalates. In case of excess body fluids, they begin to stagnate, which can be harmful. That is why peanuts and peanut products are contraindicated for people with kidney or gallbladder disease.
Pistachio halva is the rarest and most expensive. 100 g of the product contains 497 kcal, 12 g of protein, 55 g of carbohydrates, and 26 g of fat.
This halva is useful because it contains vitamins E and B6, dietary fiber, copper, manganese, and phosphorus. The fats it contains are healthy and can reduce the level of bad cholesterol.
Almond halva is considered dietary. It is lower in fat and higher in protein than other types of this dessert. Just like almonds, this halva contains calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, and E.
