Marshmallow: useful properties and contraindications

Marshmallow is a sweet, which is useful even for children, as it does not destroy teeth and does not lead to an increase in blood sugar. Nutritionists recommend this kind of treat even to those who want to lose excess weight, because the reasonable use of the product will saturate the body with useful substances and quench the desire to eat something sweet without harming the figure. But what is included in the composition of such a product, which determines its usefulness for the whole body and even for weight loss?

What are marshmallows and what are they made of?

Marshmallow belongs to the category of sweets, a favorite of adults and children. Traditionally, the composition of the marshmallow contains water, sugar (or substitute), gelatin and citric acid to normalize the taste. Raspberries, strawberries, or apples in a pureed form are used as fillings, depending on your desire. The additional addition of a thickener makes it possible to achieve the desired shape and appearance.

If you consume the sweet in moderate quantities, it does not carry any harm to the body. Moreover, gelatin is an animal chondroprotector that strengthens bones and joints, saturating them with missing vitamins and minerals. For those who do not include animal products in their diet, marshmallows on agar-agar will do. This is an algae, which allows the product to acquire a jelly-like structure much faster without compromising the taste.

Depending on the technological map of the marshmallow industry, the composition may include other components, namely - chocolate, liquid toppings in the form of topping and more. But it is important to consider that such a marshmallow will be more caloric due to the high sugar content, so diabetics and people who adhere to the principles of proper nutrition, such a dish is not suitable.

Types

Marshmallows are divided into types depending on what product was used as a thickener - gelatin, vegetable pectins or agar-agar. Plant pectin is a product that is obtained by acid extraction from apples, citrus fruits, several types of beets and sunflower seeds. The low calorie content and lack of harmful fats makes this additive the most popular in the making of marshmallows.

Additionally, finished marshmallows are divided into separate categories, depending on what product is used for filling. It happens that the filling is absent at all. If we consider the great variety of fillings, then conventionally marshmallow can be divided into such categories:

• With chocolate chips.
• With fruit filling.
• Mint.
• With cream.
• With chocolate coating.
• With condensed milk.
• With marmalade.

There are more than enough types, so depending on personal taste preferences and desires, it is always possible to choose an interesting option. It is also considered important that the dish allows you to experiment with it at home and create unusual in taste desserts.

What is the difference between marshmallow and marshmallow

Given the fact that marshmallow is a peculiar interpretation of marshmallow, many think that the homeland of the product is one, but in fact it was first cooked in France back in the ancient Greeks. Because of its airiness and softness, the product was named after the god of winds Zephyr. But pastila is an exclusively Russian invention, which was first tried in Kolomna. The name comes from the word "pastilat", as the product is spread and rolled up into a tube.

The traditional way of making marshmallow is to mix apple, cherry, strawberry or any other fruit puree with sugar or honey. The finished mass is shaped into a sheet that is dried to obtain a malleable form that allows it to be rolled into a small roll for cutting into proportional slices. The product is much denser and harder than marshmallow, so it can be attributed not only to individual sweet treats, but also to decoration, as the structure allows you to cut the marshmallow into small pieces for decorating baked goods.

But marshmallows are created by a different technology: apple, cherry or any other puree is beaten with sugar, egg white and thickener. Then the shapes of the marshmallow halves are laid out on parchment for subsequent joining them into a single structure. In addition, different decorating techniques and fillings can be used, so this version of the dessert can be considered more versatile in terms of how to make it.

Composition and calories

On the chemical composition of any product depends on its usefulness and nutritional value, so this parameter should not be overlooked. In marshmallows there is sugar of light structure, so it is quickly absorbed by the body. This is considered the main source of energy, which positively affects the overall health. And the protein derived from chicken eggs is considered a source of amino acids, no less useful for human well-being. Pectin or agar-agar, which is present in the marshmallow, provides a positive effect on the circulatory system, due to which it prevents the appearance of blood clots in the blood vessels. But gelatin is additional proteins and saturated fats, which strengthens the body, in particular the bones, and normalizes the work of the digestive system.

Marshmallow is a sweet treat, which includes sugar, which increases the caloric value of the dish. In 100 grams it contains 326 kcal. But given the small weight of the product and its "airiness", the volume of 100 grams of marshmallow will be large.

A light dessert with a high level of satiety is a find for those who want to indulge themselves with something delicious without harming the figure.

Important: If the composition includes agar-agar and sugar substitute, the caloric content is significantly reduced, so when losing weight, this version of the product will be the most useful.

What is the usefulness of marshmallow

The benefits of marshmallow, above all, lies in the fact that it does not contain chemical compounds that can lead to disruption of the internal organs and systems. Each body is individual, so the choice of the product should be taken with special care to avoid problems with health in the future.

For women

The product consists of fruits, which have a positive effect on the work of internal organs. They improve the function of the digestive system and intestines, restoring the well-being even after consuming fatty foods. The thickener present in the composition has a positive effect on the female reproductive organs, so you can reduce the level of pain during menstruation.

For men

In the composition of natural marshmallows based on gelatin there are natural chondroprotectors, which have a positive effect on the bone system. This prevents joint and cartilage pain, which is considered an important advantage for the male body. According to statistics, men are more likely to have problems with the bone system, so this prevention will be extremely useful.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a physical load on the body of a woman, so it is necessary to use in the diet products that can saturate the body and prevent disorders in the work of internal organs.

The sweetness in the composition of marshmallow allows you to improve brain function, which prevents the occurrence of migraines and headaches. In addition, the low calorie content allows the future mother to improve her health by quenching the desire to eat something sweet without harming the figure and the future baby. Abuse of sweets can cause not only weight gain, but also a deterioration in the blood supply between mother and baby.

For babies

Many parents are attentive to their child's diet and limit unhealthy sweets. But in fact marshmallow is not only a low-calorie, but also a very nutritious dish that can restore the gastrointestinal tract and digestive system, which refers to the important properties of the product.

Marshmallow can restore energy and stamina, so after a workout or active sports activities, such a product will be the most useful for a child. But it is important not to abuse it, because all products are useful only if the norm is observed.

Can marshmallow during breastfeeding

During breastfeeding, marshmallow is not prohibited, moreover, it is useful due to its ability to satisfy hunger and saturate milk with useful minerals, which are transmitted to the baby. But it is best to use marshmallows without fillers and chocolate, because such products are allergic, and they can harm the health and well-being of the baby.

But there are cases of individual intolerance to marshmallows in general or individual components present in its composition. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor the child's condition, so that at any time you can exclude from the diet of this sweet.

The optimal amount is 3 pieces per week. Excessive consumption of sweets by the mother can cause a constant thirst in the child, which is detrimental to his well-being.

Is it possible to eat marshmallows when losing weight

Losing weight is a period of not only dietary restrictions, but also the introduction of new products that can cope with the task of satiety of the body and its normal functioning, regardless of external factors. But for weight loss, marshmallows made on sweeteners and agar-agar are the best, because this tandem of components reduces the overall caloric content of the dessert.

The recommended weekly norm - 4 pieces, but it is important to remember that if there is a marshmallow in the diet when losing weight, then other sweets, even on the basis of sugar substitutes, should be excluded. The accumulation of glucose in the body in any case can lead to weight stagnation or weight gain.

Marshmallows in medicine

Marshmallow has proven itself excellent in medicine, as the natural composition and nutritional value favorably affect health and well-being. Therefore, it is important to consider that there are certain diseases, when the product is recommended for use due to its nutritional value and benefits.

For diabetes mellitus

Only special marshmallows, which contain a sugar substitute and not free glucose, are allowed for diabetes, thanks to which there is no harmful effect on the body. An important property is considered the fact that marshmallow allows to saturate the body with the medically forbidden sweetness, which diabetics want so much.

Important: The glycemic index of ordinary marshmallow is 65 units.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a complex and dangerous disease characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. Completely forbidden to eat sweets in the diet, but here marshmallows are not only allowed, but also important for the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Protein allows you to restore the gland, as well as cleanse it of toxins, while normalizing the overall condition.

With gastritis

With gastritis, it is recommended to eat marshmallows without toppings and fillers, because without flavoring, the product is useful for normalizing the mucous membrane of the stomach, relieving inflammation and establishing the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

For constipation

Marshmallow refers to foods that can cleanse the intestines due to a slight laxative effect, which is considered an important positive quality for people with this problem. In addition, with regular consumption of marshmallows, you can avoid the appearance of chronic constipation.

In colitis

Experts say that marshmallow in colitis intestines is useful due to the normalization of microflora. The protein in the product strengthens the walls of the intestine, so that inflammation is relieved and the most unpleasant symptoms of colitis are eliminated.

In cholecystitis

When the gallbladder is inflamed, you need to follow a diet to prevent bile stagnation. It is he who disturbs the normal functioning of not only the liver, but also the whole body. It is allowed to include in the diet marshmallow in small quantities, but here at the stage of exacerbation of such a dessert should be abandoned.

Harm and contraindications

Marshmallow has no contraindications as such, because there are natural products in its composition. But, no matter how it is, the composition includes sugar, which in large quantities harms the figure and can cause excess weight, so it is important to observe the daily rate to avoid adverse reactions.

And also marshmallow is contraindicated for people with insulin-induced diabetes. Or rather, you can only use the diet form of such a treat, created on the basis of sugar substitute and agar-agar or vegetable pectin.

How to choose and store marshmallows

On the shelves of the store in front of customers presented with marshmallows in large quantities, so the question of choice and subsequent storage is considered particularly relevant. When choosing, it is worth considering the following rules:

1. Composition and manufacturing standards - the basis for the correct choice of the product among the entire assortment. Often unscrupulous manufacturers neglect the basic rules of manufacturing the product.
2. Appearance and color also play an important role when choosing a marshmallow. Strongly bright and saturated color may indicate the presence of harmful preservatives and toxic dyes.
3. If there is a possibility to touch the marshmallow, it is advisable to do this. It should be dense and homogeneous, because the friability and cracks on the surface of the dessert indicate a violation of the technological process.

It is not enough just to choose a marshmallow, it must also be stored properly. There are no special requirements, because the dessert is not demanding and does not belong to the category of perishable, so it is possible to enjoy it for 1.5 months. Just put the product in a dark and cool place, preferably in a closed container.

How to make marshmallows at home

Marshmallow can be made at home, if you consider the proportions of products to make. The standard recipe for cooking on gelatin is known to almost every housewife, but on agar-agar - not, so it is worthy of separate attention.

Recipe for agar-agar

To prepare marshmallows on agar-agar requires:

• 300 grams of apples.
• 100 grams of granulated sugar.
• 1 chicken protein.

For the syrup you will need:

• 75 ml water.
• 200 grams of sugar.
• 10 grams of agar-agar.

For sprinkles you can use powdered sugar.

How to prepare:

1. Initially, make apple puree, which will be the basis for making marshmallows. Chop the cooked apple slices (without peel and seed) with an immersion blender until smooth.
2. Add the sugar and boil the mass over low heat to obtain a homogeneous sweet substance. Then cool it in the refrigerator for 20-25 minutes.
3. After cooling, whip the apple mixture with cold protein to obtain homogeneity. It is important to whip everything to peaks, so that you get a dense and airy mass.
4. Add water, sugar and agar-agar in a saucepan to dissolve all components and obtain a homogeneous substance for further addition to the protein-apple puree. The syrup is considered ready when the sticky sweet threads slowly slide off the wooden spatula.
5. Beat the syrup with the previously prepared protein mass to obtain a marshmallow structure.
6. Then transfer the mass to a pastry bag to dispense the finished marshmallows.
7. Dry the marshmallows for 3-6 hours at room temperature or on the balcony. For decoration, sprinkle the dessert with powdered sugar.

Why does the marshmallow not set: what to do?

1. Marshmallow may not solidify due to the fact that there is not enough agar-agar in the composition, or the whites were poorly whipped. Because of this, the dessert becomes moist.
2. If the marshmallow does not solidify, then you can put it in the fridge for half an hour or an hour for the mass to set.

The most drastic way to solve the problem is to melt the marshmallow and add pre-soaked agar-agar to increase the elasticity of the mass.

How to Melt Marshmallows

There are several ways to melt marshmallows, depending on what effect you want to get. If you need to make a plastic mass of marshmallow, the best option would be steaming in a pan in a water bath, as so the product will begin to caramelize and quickly dissolve, turning into a single substance.

The marshmallows can be melted in the oven by spreading them in a deep tray. This option is ideal for making scones, which will later be used as an element of decoration for the dessert.

Can I eat marshmallows during Lent?

Marshmallows are not allowed in Lent due to the fact that the composition includes gelatin and egg whites. If you can use agar-agar instead of thickener, the egg whites cannot be replaced. It is better to refrain from such sweetness until the end of Lent.

Interesting facts about marshmallows

Marshmallow is a sweet that has many positive qualities, so it is not without interesting facts about this dessert:

1. The first variants of marshmallow were created back in the days of ancient Egypt.
2. The name of the dessert was coined in honor of the wind god Zephyr, as the delicate and soft structure resembles air.
3. In Russia, the prototype of marshmallow was marshmallow, and then the two desserts began to take root in the country, being interpreted depending on confectionery discoveries.

Marshmallow can rightly be classified as a universal dessert. It has virtually no contraindications, which is an important positive quality. But it is necessary to choose it correctly and store it in the recommended conditions.

Photo of a marshmallow