Halvah It is one of the snacks that some people love and others avoid. However, not everyone knows that this delicacy is valuable for our health. Especially when we talk about almond halvawhich you can prepare at home with only two ingredients.
Classic halva is most often prepared from sesame seeds and caramel. This sweet confectionery comes from the Middle East, specifically from ancient Persia, today’s Iran. Halva is also popular in Turkey, the Balkans, India and some Mediterranean countries, and is also popular in Poland and Ukraine. You can meet many types of halva, the seeds of oil plants are used to make it, such as: sunflower, poppy, nuts, pistachios or almonds. Popular additions to halva are: dried fruit and flavored aromas. Interestingly, Indian halva is prepared with the addition of carrots cooked in milkand in Asian countries it is added to it semolina. Although this delicacy was known in ancient times, it appeared in Europe only in the 20th century.
How is halva prepared? Most often, roasted seeds are ground into pulp, to which caramel mass and various additives are added. After mixing, the halva mass is put into special molds and set aside to cool. When buying halva in a store, it is worth paying attention to its composition. It is best to make it as short as possible and not contain unnecessary preservatives, dyes or palm oil. You can also make tasty halva at home, the recipe for this dessert will be revealed later in the article.
One of the healthiest types of halva is that made from almonds. They contain many valuable nutrients. It is present here, among others vitamin E, which has a strong antioxidant effect, supports the condition of the skin and prevents premature aging. It also has a positive effect on immunity, cares for the hormonal system and the condition of blood vessels. However, it is present in almonds vitamin B2, i.e. riboflavin, supports metabolism and the nervous system.
Almonds also contain a lot magnesium, which takes care of the functioning of the heart and brain, also supports muscles and strengthens bones. Additionally phosphorus contained in them affects the health of the skeletal system, mangan supports metabolism, a copper contributes to better immunity and is necessary for the production of red blood cells.
Of course, almonds are an excellent source of healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help take care of the health of the circulatory system, including the heart, reduce too high levels of “bad” cholesterol in the blood, support the nervous system and have anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s worth adding that There is also a lot of protein in almondswhich is the basic building material of the body, also affects satiety and muscle function and regeneration. Eating almonds also has a positive effect on the nervous system and well-being. They include: tryptophanwhich is necessary for the production of serotonin, called the happiness hormone. We also cannot forget about the positive effect of almonds on digestion. They contain a lot dietary fiberwhich supports intestinal transit, their microflora, ensures satiety, and helps stabilize blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Although almonds are very healthy, you cannot overdo them because they contain a lot of calories, there are about 570 in 100 g. Therefore, almond halva (500 kcal in 100 g) should only be an occasional dessert, because if eaten in large quantities it may contribute to weight gain. Almond halva contains honey, so people with diabetes and insulin resistance should also be careful with it. This sweet may also be unsuitable for allergy sufferers.
Below you will find healthy, a simplified version of halva, which you can make with only two ingredients, almonds and honey, which has bactericidal, soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Such a snack is perfect for people who need an energy boost, you can eat it before physical exercise, e.g. a trip to the mountains. It can be eaten by children, seniors and pregnant women.
You will need:
- 500 g of almonds,
- 8 tablespoons of honey.
Preparation:
- Grind the almonds until they are as smooth as possible.
- Add honey to them and blend everything again.
- Pour the prepared mass into a silicone mold. You can also use a selected dish lined with food foil.
- Put the dessert in the fridge for about 5 hours.
- When it sets, cut the almond halva into smaller pieces.
Sources: Terazgotuje.pl, elektroia.pl, qchenne-inspiracje.pl
