The composition of sunflower halva: is it only sweet

Halva is an ancient eastern delicacy, familiar to each of us from childhood. Its unique taste and aroma are stored in our minds without even thinking about what is included in halva, whether this product is useful, what its history is and what it is. And meanwhile, she has something to boast and be proud of.

The birthplace of halva is Iran. Here it began to be made in the V century BC. The Crusaders brought their admired product to Europe. And in Russia this exquisite oriental sweetness became known only in the twentieth century. At the same time, the halva from sunflower seeds that we are familiar with can be considered our national invention. On the "historical homeland" it is made of sesame, nuts, carrots and many other products, but not from sunflower seeds. This kind of dessert is popular in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, where the sun flower grows in abundance.

The composition of sunflower halva differs from the classical recipe only in olive oil. In the rest it is the same as it was invented in the East: saturated sunflower seeds, caramel or sugar syrup and a foamy component in the form of a licorice root or a soap root. Combined in a homogeneous mass, they form the most delicate fibrous structure that everyone likes so much.

In addition to sunflower, peanut halva is popular in Russia, sometimes sesame and pistachio are found in shops. Recently, manufacturers bring variety to the assortment due to fillers, adding raisins, dried apricots, cocoa. More and more popular are chocolate sweets with halva filling. There are many recipes, how to cook a favorite treat at home. And here, the taste depends only on the imagination of the hostess! After all, even the simplest composition of sunflower halva can be changed, transforming the final product beyond recognition. For example, try to use honey instead of sugar, combining its healing power with the useful qualities of seeds. And the technology of cooking in many respects influences the taste of dessert. That is why in the East it is still cooked only by hand.

By the way, so familiar to us delicacy has many valuable properties. Seeds, which are included in a large amount in the composition of sunflower halva, are rich in vegetable protein, folic acid, vitamins. Its regular use has a beneficial effect on the skin and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. This is an excellent tool for getting rid of depression and lowering cholesterol. Therefore, the presence of halva in the diet is indicated for nervous disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

But it should be remembered that it is unacceptable to abuse this medicine, like any other medicine. First of all, because of the high calorie content (almost 530 kcal per 100 g of product), this most valuable product is contraindicated for people with excess weight. Sugar, which is a large part of the composition of sunflower halva, excludes it from the menu of patients with diabetes mellitus. Caution should be shown to those who are prone to allergies. But for everyone else, a small daily portion of the ancient eastern sweets is only beneficial. Bon Appetit!