Pastila: benefits and harms to the human body, calories and reviews

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

The favorite sweet of many was invented by the monks from Kolomna in the distant fourteenth century, and it was called pastila. The harm and benefits of this product is an issue that is discussed everywhere. Some say that the dessert, invented back in the time of Ivan the Terrible, is too sweet and injurious to he alth. Others say that marshmallow is an incredibly useful product for our body. Who is right? Today we will try to figure out where this dessert began its culinary journey, what it consists of, what is useful and harmful.

A bit of history

To figure out what the benefits and harms of marshmallow are, you need to understand first what ingredients it is prepared from. Kolomna monks used whipped applesauce for cooking. Most often they took winter varieties of apples. Egg whites and honey were added to them. After mixing all the ingredients, the mass was applied to a speciala wooden frame on which the fabric was stretched. The frames were dried in a wood-fired oven. After the apple mass reached the desired consistency, it was carefully removed and rolled up. Then it was cut into pieces of equal size.

The name of the delicacy comes from the Old Slavonic word “postlano”, that is, it is bedded. During the time of Ivan the Terrible, the he alth benefits and harms of marshmallows were not even discussed. The sweet "postila" was prepared in large quantities and was loved by all gentlemen. Only at the beginning of the twentieth century, the letter "O" was replaced by "A", as a result, the delicacy beloved by generations acquired a new name.

In the fourteenth century, marshmallow production was considered a miracle. By adding whipped egg whites to the mass, the monks obtained a very delicate texture, literally producing a light snow cloud. For a long time, the recipe, of course, was kept secret. Pastila was prepared exclusively for the royal table. A few centuries later, the recipe for cooking became a national treasure. Since then, there has been a discussion about the benefits and harms of marshmallow.

Composition

It just so happens that the pastila that our ancestors prepared and the delicacy that we buy in modern supermarkets are two completely different things. Today it is impossible to find a dessert prepared according to that old recipe. In Soviet times, a technology for the production of marshmallow was invented, which simplified and speeded up the process. The result was a delicacy that looks more like a marshmallow. This is the product we see on store shelves. If initiallyonly sour berries and fruits were added to the mass, then modern marshmallow has sweeter ingredients in its composition. Citric acid is used for sourness.

Calories

If we talk about the benefits and harms of marshmallow for the body, then perhaps we should stop a little on its calorie content. If a person follows the figure, adheres to proper nutrition, or, conversely, is obese, then a treat with a calorie content of 324 kcal per 100 grams of product is harmful to him. However, plant fibers, as well as vitamins and minerals included in the composition, are beneficial to the body.

Main species

There are several types of this delicacy, which differ in their properties and affect the human body in different ways. The benefits and harms of marshmallows in this case will be different. For example, for the preparation of one option, only egg whites and honey are used, as in an old recipe. Such a pastille, of course, will be much more useful. But there are varieties for the preparation of which molasses, pectin syrup, agar-agar, a large amount of sugar, etc. are used. Here, the benefits of the product can already be challenged. Not only the calorie content will differ, but also the nutritional, vitamin composition.

Useful properties

Speaking of the benefits and harms of fruit marshmallow, do not forget about the composition. If we consider a more natural dessert prepared according to the correct recipe and in compliance with the production technology, then the following properties can be distinguished:

1. "Correct" marshmallowwill contain a large amount of simple carbohydrates and glucose. This allows you to quickly replenish energy costs, improve perception, improve mood.
2. Apple marshmallow is considered one of the most useful, as it contains substances that help keep the whole body in good shape.
3. If the product contains natural honey, not granulated sugar, then the product will be even more useful. Such marshmallow quickly restores vitality, tones the body, adds vigor, improves mood, speeds up metabolism.



4. Considering the benefits and harms of apple marshmallow, one cannot fail to say that a large amount of vegetable fibers will necessarily be present in the dessert. Fiber will help improve digestion, normalize the work of the intestines and stomach. It is a nutrient substrate for microflora.
5. Pectin is also present in the marshmallow. This substance helps to remove heavy metals from the body, improves the general condition.
6. If we talk about apple marshmallow, we can not help but mention the large amount of iron. It will help improve the he alth of people who suffer from anemia.
7. The benefits of egg whites are out of the question. They are useful for a person at any age. Protein helps the development and growth of internal organs. In addition, it is a real building material for muscles.
8. The marshmallow also contains vitamins B2 and PP. Pectin, which is also present in the dessert, helps stabilize the liver, gastrointestinalintestinal tract, thyroid gland. In addition, pectin will help restore the body in the postoperative period, as well as protect it from harmful substances from the environment.

Harmful Properties

Of course, when discussing the benefits and harms of apple marshmallows, one cannot but mention the negative aspects. When consumed in excess, even the most he althy treats become harmful. Firstly, this is a dessert with a fairly high calorie content. Its use should be limited. Be sure to check the composition of the product in the store before putting it in your grocery basket. If a person suffers from diabetes, has problems with excess weight or teeth, then he is forbidden to use marshmallow in large quantities. Children are also not recommended to eat marshmallow in large quantities, as there is a high risk of a negative effect on tooth enamel and the occurrence of caries.

Unscrupulous manufacturers often use various syrups, preservatives and dyes to make marshmallows. These are completely unhe althy substances that can cause poisoning and allergies.

Belevskaya pastila

Back in 1888, the production of sweet treats from vegetables and fruits was opened in the city of Belev. Since then, it has been famous for its excellent taste, pleasant appearance, and the right consistency. If we talk about the benefits and harms of Belevsky marshmallow, then, perhaps, there will be no negative reviews on this product. For centuries inproduction uses only natural and high-quality ingredients. Such a brand launches a delicious product with air bubbles and a soft creamy color on store shelves.

Reviews

Summing up all of the above, we want to note that marshmallow is a delicacy loved by millions. This product has always had positive reviews. Experienced housewives praise the easy-to-prepare recipe, and those who do not cook marshmallow at home are always happy to buy it in the store. The main thing, as they say, is to know the measure. Any product will be useful if it is chosen or prepared correctly.