Many people mistakenly consider pastila to be an oriental sweet, a close relative of Turkish delight. In fact, pastila is an original Russian dessert. The city of Kolomna is considered its homeland, where even in the time of Ivan the Terrible they learned to cook aromatic sweets from apples.

Real marshmallow, as they say in Kolomna, can only be tasted in their city. Here they have created a museum dedicated to the national sweet - “Kolomenskaya pastila”, where you can learn everything about the history of the creation of the dessert, taste different varieties and even watch how real pastila is prepared.

The main ingredient for making marshmallows is apples. In Kolomna they claim that sour apples with pronounced sourness - Antonovka - are ideal for this. And they will even show you a garden with such apple trees. In addition to applesauce, honey, egg white and the pulp of various berries are added to the marshmallow. There are varieties of marshmallows where nuts, raisins or dried fruits are added.

Five centuries ago, Kolomna marshmallow was made from Antonovka, apples were simmered in the oven for long hours so that they turned into a homogeneous mass. The apple mass was ground into puree, molasses and honey were added. Then we laid canvas towels on the table and spread the applesauce and molasses mixture on top. And they put it in the sun for the pastille to dry. Then a thin layer of marshmallow was removed from the towel and rolled into a roll. Such pastille could be stored until the next harvest without any refrigerators.

The very name “pastila” comes, as they say in Kolomna, from the verb “to spread.” There is another opinion: “marshmallow” is a derivative of the word “paste”.

Modern marshmallow

Modern technologies for making marshmallows are very different from the original ones, developed five centuries ago. Depending on the manufacturing method, there are three types of marshmallows: custard, glue and glueless.

Glue pastille is considered the healthiest, it has low calorie content and contains only natural ingredients. It was called adhesive for its consistency, dense and viscous. This pastille is prepared with the addition of pectin or agar-agar. Pectins are a natural polysaccharide that is usually obtained from apples. Sugar beets and watermelons are also sources of pectins in the production of marshmallows.

Agar-agar is also a natural polysaccharide that is obtained from seaweed. The high content of natural components in the adhesive pastille makes it a useful product that nutritionists readily recommend.

Glue-free marshmallows, in addition to applesauce, contain sugar and egg whites. This pastille is airy due to the introduction of whipped proteins and has a sweet and sour taste. However, it is quite high in calories.

However, the most high-calorie option is custard pastille. It is obtained by brewing apples with sugar. It has a viscous consistency and is sweet. This method of making marshmallows is considered the most inexpensive, and therefore popular among manufacturers. Most types of marshmallows sold in stores are made using this technology.

Composition of marshmallow

The composition of the marshmallow depends on the technology and manufacturer. But apples continue to be the main component. In addition to applesauce, the composition may include fruit puree, agar-agar, sugar, molasses, and egg whites. Also, production standards allow the addition of flour, sugar, flavorings, dyes and other equally “healthy” additives.

The calorie content of marshmallow depends on the composition and can reach 320 kilocalories per 100 grams. As for the nutritional value, the marshmallow contains no fat (except for those varieties where nuts were added), an insignificant content of proteins, and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are presented in the form of mono- and disaccharides, as well as starch and dietary fiber (pectins).

The marshmallow contains organic acids (mainly citric and malic) and other biologically active substances. Among the vitamins, it is worth noting the high content of B vitamins, in particular riboflavin, and vitamin PP. As for minerals, marshmallow is rich in potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron.

The benefits of marshmallows

The main advantage of marshmallows is that they are a healthy alternative to sweets and desserts that contain a lot of so-called empty calories, when sweetness brings nothing but sweetness to the body. Pastila is a healthy sweet. Pastila is distinguished by a high content of pectins. These soluble dietary fibers have a high ability to absorb harmful compounds, waste and toxins in the intestines. Pectins help naturally cleanse the body of everything unnecessary.

Pectins have a beneficial effect on the body. Pectins are recommended to be consumed when the immune system is weakened, to restore normal intestinal microflora.

They help cleanse blood vessels of cholesterol plaques by reducing the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. Healthy blood vessels are the key to the normal functioning of the entire cardiovascular system, preventing the development of heart attack and stroke.

Starch, which is part of the marshmallow, protects the mucous membranes from the effects of acids and prevents the development of gastritis. The marshmallow contains agar-agar, a derivative of seaweed. Once in the stomach, agar-agar lowers the acidity level. Moving further along the digestive tract, the components of agar-agar reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, triglycerides, and help lower blood sugar levels. In the intestines, agar-agar swells and improves its peristalsis, stimulating the processes of evacuation of contents. Agar-agar is a natural prebiotic and helps restore healthy microflora in the intestines, which is very useful as a prevention of dysbiosis.

Apples, which are the basis for marshmallows, are considered to be a source of iron in the body. Many doctors believe that apples also help improve thyroid function. And in combination with other minerals that make up apples, marshmallow becomes useful for many systems and functions of the body.

Thus, the high potassium content in marshmallows will benefit the heart muscle, the walls of blood vessels and the entire muscular system. Phosphorus is another mineral that the cardiovascular system will favorably accept. Zinc, which the marshmallow is rich in, will help men with their delicate problem. Zinc is also responsible for the functioning of the sebaceous glands; with a deficiency of zinc, seborrhea can occur, which in advanced cases leads to baldness.

Harm from marshmallows

Generally speaking, any food product, even the healthiest one, can be harmful to health if consumed in excess. In the case of marshmallows, you should remember that its calorie content is quite high. And, what is extremely important, you should carefully study the composition of the product, which is sold in stores under the name “marshmallow”.

Those varieties that contain dyes, flavors and other chemical additives can cause an allergic reaction.

Pastila at home

Pastila can be prepared at home - such a sweetness will be safe and healthy.

Wash 3 kg of sour apples, peel and core them, cut into large pieces. It is better to boil apples in a thick-bottomed container, for example, a cast-iron cauldron. Pour a little water into the bottom of a thick-bottomed pan or cauldron, about the thickness of a finger. Add the chopped apples, bring to a boil and cook over low heat, covered, until the apples turn into a smooth puree. For firm apples freshly picked from the branch, the cooking time can be more than two hours; soft apples will boil in an hour.

Drain the water from the mixture. You can drink this juice, or you can roll it up; in the future it will have to be diluted with water. And rub the boiled apples through a sieve. Cover a large cutting board with parchment paper for baking, spread the apple mixture in a thin layer - the thinner, the faster the marshmallow will “ripen”. The paper should be secured in advance so that it does not move along the board along with the apple mass.

One board may not be enough for this amount of puree, so you should prepare several boards with parchment paper. These boards are taken out into the sun to dry. Since the process of “ripening” half a centimeter thick marshmallow lasts about three days, the boards are brought indoors at night. When the marshmallow dries, carefully remove it with a plate and turn it over to the other side for another few hours. Only completely dried marshmallows are considered ready.

The plate is cut into pieces and placed in jars. This marshmallow can be eaten even by those who suffer from type 2 diabetes.

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The Kolomna monks came up with the recipe for marshmallow back in the fourteenth century. It was prepared from the most accessible ingredients - whipped applesauce (winter varieties of apples were used), berry pulp, honey and egg whites. All the ingredients were mixed, and then the resulting mass was applied in one layer to a fabric stretched over wooden frames and sent to dry in a wood-burning oven. The result was thin plates that were placed in wooden boxes, where they reached the required condition, and then rolled up or cut into pieces of different sizes. The original name of the delicacy “postila” (from the word postlano) came from the method of preparation. Only in the twentieth century the letter “o” in the name of the dessert was changed to “a” and the familiar “marshmallow” was obtained. Interestingly, adding beaten egg whites to the recipe made it possible to obtain a white marshmallow with a delicate consistency, which the monks considered a miracle. They “turned” an ordinary treat into a piece of cloud. For a long time, the recipe for marshmallow was kept strictly secret, but one day it still became common property and today marshmallow can be bought ready-made or prepared independently. What health benefits do we know about marshmallows, and is this product harmful?

Composition of marshmallow

It just so happened, but modern marshmallow and the product that was prepared in Rus' are two big differences. Today it is almost impossible to find a delicacy made according to that same old recipe. Soviet technologists came up with a technology for preparing custard marshmallows, reminiscent of marshmallows in their characteristics and appearance. It is this kind of marshmallow, in the form of white or colored bars with fruit flavors, that is presented on the shelves of modern stores. If marshmallow was originally prepared from sour fruits and berries with the addition of honey, today other, sweeter fruits are added to the composition, and the necessary sourness is obtained with the help of citric acid. According to GOST requirements, this marshmallow contains exclusively natural products, which determines its health benefits.

The calorie content of the treat (meaning the traditional composition with proteins) is three hundred twenty-four calories per one hundred grams of product. The dessert contains up to ninety-nine percent carbohydrates, some protein and no fat at all, making it an ideal choice for people who want to lose extra pounds. A certain carbohydrate part of the marshmallow consists of plant fibers necessary to cleanse the body of waste and toxins. The marshmallow also contains light carbohydrates that can charge the body with energy and give a great mood. The composition of the marshmallow is rich in vitamins of groups C, PP and B2. Among the minerals contained in the dessert are iron, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium and calcium. Thanks to the vitamin complex, marshmallow has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, immunity and eye health. Thus, an insufficient amount of vitamin B2 is fraught with the risk of oxygen starvation of the body's cells and can negatively affect physical and mental activity. Mineral compounds in marshmallow improve blood quality, strengthen the heart and skeletal system.

Health benefits of marshmallows

The basis of the marshmallow is apple and berry puree, and it is an excellent tonic for our body. The abundance of sugar in the puree allows it to be converted through fermentation into energy that will last for the whole day. The marshmallow also contains honey, rich in beneficial substances that improve metabolism in the body and normalize synthetic and energy processes. Thanks to these elements, the body quickly breaks down and removes excess sugar. Among other substances valuable for health in the marshmallow composition, one can highlight fruit fiber, which helps improve digestion, helps cleanse the intestines of toxins and normalizes intestinal motility. Thanks to fiber, absorption slows down and the content of “bad” cholesterol is reduced, which has a positive effect on heart health. Gelling agents such as pectin and agar help cleanse the body of toxins, residual traces of synthetic medications and heavy metals. Among other things, pectin increases the body’s defenses against harmful substances and has a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Agar-agar is an organic product extracted from seaweed. This substance is a valuable source of phosphorus and iodine. Agar can stabilize and improve liver function. The protein contained in marshmallows is an important building material in our body.

Of course, some of the beneficial substances disappear during the preparation of marshmallows, but the remaining ones are quite enough to make the dessert valuable for health. The same agar-agar is an excellent source of iodine, and applesauce contains a lot of iron, which is very useful for preventing anemia. Since there are no fats in the marshmallow, the dessert can be consumed periodically as part of a diet. Pastila satisfies a person's need for sweets without being deposited with unnecessary folds. By the way, nutritionists advise people who are losing weight to enjoy marshmallows between sixteen and nineteen hours. To summarize, we can say that the health benefits of marshmallows are obvious, but what about the harm?

Harm to health of marshmallows

Like any product, marshmallows have a number of contraindications, and if the manufacturer is unscrupulous, it can even be harmful to health. Pastila is contraindicated for people with individual intolerance to its components. But you should especially beware of low-quality marshmallows made with preservatives and flavorings. These components may cause an allergic reaction. As with other products, you should not overuse marshmallows. Despite the abundance of useful substances, the product contains a lot of sugar, so it is better for diabetics to forget about marshmallows, as well as for people with obesity and impaired metabolism. Although we said that marshmallows can be consumed as part of a diet, you should not get carried away with this, since the product is quite high in calories. Uncontrolled consumption of marshmallows can cause such unpleasant consequences as caries, intestinal dysfunction, increased blood glucose levels, weight gain, etc. As you may have noticed, the key words here are “uncontrolled use,” because if you observe moderation, a truly high-quality marshmallow will bring nothing but benefit. How to choose a truly high-quality marshmallow?

How to choose a marshmallow

Today you can buy several types of marshmallows, the difference between which lies in the preparation technology. Custard marshmallow is prepared from a special “infusion” based on applesauce and sugar. Glue pastille is prepared from pectin syrup, molasses and agar. Finally, the glue-free marshmallow is made from egg whites whipped with sugar and applesauce. Glue marshmallow is considered the most dietary, since it is made exclusively from natural ingredients and contains the fewest calories. Natural marshmallow can be harmful only if you are individually intolerant to its components. When choosing marshmallows, try to give preference to a dry and matte delicacy, without foreign deposits or cracks. Its color should be as close to natural as possible; a bright shade is a sign of artificial dyes. The taste of high-quality marshmallow should not be cloying, but slightly sour, without obvious fruity undertones. By following these simple tips, you can buy not an artificial substitute, but a natural delicacy that will not only be an ideal addition to a cup of amber tea, but will help you cheer up, “recharge your batteries” and saturate your body with a lot of useful substances. Even desserts can be beneficial if you choose them wisely, which is what we advise you to do.

The benefits and harms of marshmallows depend on the composition, as well as the method of preparation. The dish first appeared in Russian cuisine of the 14th century. Then it was made exclusively from natural products: fruits, berries and honey. Therefore, properties that benefit humans prevailed.

Nowadays, manufacturers often replace basic components with cheaper ones. For example, they add dyes, thickeners, flavors and preservatives that can do more harm than good. To ensure that pastille saturates the body with vitamins and microelements, it is better to prepare it at home.

What is marshmallow and what is it made from?

Pastila is a healthy sweet; apples are mainly used for its preparation. In the Russian Empire, pastila was prepared mainly from Antonov apples. They gave it sourness, making the taste unique. Thanks to this feature, the dish has gained popularity in European countries.

Later, they began to add egg white to the sweetness to give it the airiness of a marshmallow. But experiments with dessert continued. Apples were gradually replaced by berries. For example, lingonberry, rowan or raspberry puree.

Advice! When following a diet, it is recommended to use adhesive marshmallows. It is characterized by low calorie content and natural composition.

• fruits (apples, pears, peaches, plums, apricots, etc.);
• berries (raspberries, strawberries, currants, etc.).

Sesame seeds, nuts or poppy seeds can be added to the main puree. They complement the dish with a unique aroma and taste.

Chemical composition of marshmallow

Sweetness consists of a huge number of important elements:

• vitamins (riboflavin and nicotinic acid);
• proteins;
• carbohydrates;
• microelements (zinc, iron, calcium, iodine, magnesium).

But manufacturers often use flavors, dyes, thickeners, and various preservatives, which can significantly harm human health.

How many calories are in marshmallows?

The calorie content of sweets depends on the composition. 100 g contains from 300 to 360 kcal. An approximate table of the energy value of marshmallows with different ingredients.

The product is far from dietary. The beneficial properties of marshmallows prevail over the high calorie content, which cannot be said about cakes and sweets.

What are the benefits of marshmallows for the body?

A healthy dessert should consist mainly of natural ingredients. If the dish is prepared independently, then the harm to the body is reduced to a minimum. An exception may be people with individual intolerance to the components.

The benefits of marshmallows for women are the following:

• cleansing the body of waste and toxins;
• reducing blood cholesterol levels;
• normalization of the intestinal microflora and gastrointestinal tract function;
• improving emotional state;
• satisfying hunger for a long period.

The properties of the delicacy have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Women are much more likely to experience stress than men. Natural sweetness will help get rid of nervous tension.

Dessert is also beneficial for men; the zinc contained in the composition increases potency. Sweetness activates neurons in the brain, improving mental performance and physical stamina.

Is it possible to have marshmallows during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Often pregnant women crave sweets. But in the huge abundance of confectionery products, it is difficult to find a healthy product. For preparation, manufacturers use chemical components that can harm the expectant mother and baby.

It is better for pregnant women to eat 50 g of homemade marshmallows. It will not only satisfy the desire for a sweet snack, but will also replenish the body’s reserves of vitamins.

In order not to harm the baby, the mother needs to adhere to the following rules for introducing marshmallows into the diet:

• You can try the dish when the baby is 3 months old;
• you need to start with 10 g in the morning;
• if signs of allergies or problems with the gastrointestinal tract appear, the product should be discarded for at least 3 weeks;
• If no negative reaction is observed, then a nursing mother can consume 100 g of the treat no more than 2 times a week.

Sweets should not be eaten on an empty stomach. This can cause weakness and apathy due to a sharp release of insulin into the blood, and then its rapid decline.

Is marshmallow good for children?

Fruit marshmallows - benefits for a child's health. The statement concerns a dish made from natural products. The delicacy has a beneficial effect on:

• brain activity;
• mental capacity;
• work of the gastrointestinal tract;
• lowers blood sugar levels;
• promotes the removal of waste and toxins from the body;
• prevents the development of anemia (use of apple marshmallows);
• physical endurance.

Natural sweetness is a real storehouse of vitamins and microelements. They have a beneficial effect on the body's defense mechanisms, preventing the development of acute respiratory infections.

Important! The harmful properties of the product are minimal if consumed in small portions in the first half of the day.

At what age can marshmallows be given to a child?

Confectionery products are allowed for children no earlier than 1 year after birth and prior consultation with a pediatrician. Sweets are introduced into the baby’s diet, gradually starting from 10 g, carefully observing the reaction.

It is better to feed sweets after eating the main food. Then the child’s appetite will be normal and parents will not be denied usual foods.

Fruit marshmallows are good for your baby, but they cannot replace regular food. No more than 50 g per day is allowed.

The benefits and harms of marshmallows for weight loss

People on a diet are prohibited from eating sweets. But pastila is an exception. It contains vitamins and microelements, provided that it is prepared from natural ingredients with a minimum amount of sugar.

The harm of dessert for those losing weight is its high calorie content. Nutritionists recommend eating no more than 40 g of treats. It is advisable to do this in the morning, when the metabolic process is faster. To ensure that carbohydrates are well absorbed, the dish is combined with cereals and fruits. If you follow the advice of experts, you can safely eat dessert while sticking to a diet.

Is it possible to have marshmallows if you have diabetes?

Experts say that marshmallows are prohibited for people with high blood sugar levels only theoretically. This is one of the methods of saturating the body with important substances, which does not have harmful effects.

Diabetics can consume this healthy product, but in moderation. An important condition is naturalness. A delicacy for diabetics is prepared exclusively from fruits without the addition of chocolate, vanilla and other additional ingredients.

Sugar-free marshmallows are beneficial for blood vessels, muscle tissue and nail growth. In order not to harm the health of diabetic patients, it is better to prepare the delicacy at home. Then it will be possible to control the entire process and strictly follow the recipe.

How to make homemade marshmallows

To prepare dessert at home you will need:

• sour apples (Antonovka) – 1.2 kg;
• sugar – 80 g;
• white of 1 egg.

If the delicacy releases well from the foil, then it can be removed from the oven. Cool well and start tasting.

Harm of marshmallows and contraindications

The properties of marshmallow, its benefits and harm to the human body, completely depend on the ingredients. People with allergies to fruits or berries are strictly prohibited from consuming it.

The large number of calories contained in the dessert causes harm to humans. When abused, the following problems arise:

• disruption of the liver and gastrointestinal tract;
• gastritis;
• stomach ulcer;
• headache;
• increased excitability and stress;
• dental caries;
• obesity.

Products with added sugar are contraindicated for diabetics. It is also not recommended to use marshmallows for people who are overweight and suffer from metabolic problems.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of marshmallows are determined by the influence of its components on human health. The method and place where the delicacy is made also plays an important role.

An industrially produced product rarely has properties that are beneficial. But marshmallows made at home from natural fruits or berries are quite capable of replenishing the lack of vitamins and microelements. It improves the condition of the intestinal microflora and simply improves your mood.

The high calorie content may discourage dieters. But if you follow the measure, then extra pounds from marshmallows will not appear.

Did you find this article useful?

Pastila is a famous delicacy. Excellent taste, low price and the ability to prepare it yourself determine the popularity of this product. However, it is worth remembering not only the benefits, but also the dangers of marshmallows for health. In addition to a large amount of vitamins and other nutritional ingredients, the apple product contains a lot of calories and fiber, which can negatively affect the body of an adult or child (see).

Types of product and its composition

The main component of the product is applesauce, mainly from sour varieties, as well as honey or sugar additives. In some cases, berries can be used instead of apples. There are three different types of dessert:

• custard, resulting from the use of “leaf tea” consisting of puree and sugar;
• adhesive containing pectin syrup, agar-agar and molasses;
• glueless: beaten egg whites are used during the preparation process.

Speaking about different types of marshmallows, it is worth noting that the least high-calorie product is the adhesive product. The energy value of such a dessert is minimal, and its components are exclusively natural. The most high-calorie is custard marshmallow.

The composition of the marshmallow, regardless of the method of preparation, is similar. However, it is important to remember that manufacturers may add various chemical additives to the final product, including flavorings, preservatives and other substances.

As a rule, the marshmallow contains the following ingredients:

• vitamin PP and B2;
• proteins and carbohydrates;
• complex fiber fibers;
• zinc, iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and other minerals.

The average caloric content of 100 g is approximately 320 kcal, which does not allow marshmallows to be classified as dietary products and makes it harmful for people trying to lose excess weight.

Useful properties of dessert

When talking about the benefits and harms of apple marshmallows, it is important not to forget that the composition of a particular product may differ from other similar desserts. Next, we will consider a natural product created in full compliance with all production technologies.

The main advantages of marshmallow:

The benefits for the body and the pleasant taste of apple dessert determine its popularity among adults and children. It is important to remember that in large quantities such a delicacy can be harmful.

Possible harm of marshmallows

Industrial marshmallows with a lot of chemical additives may not be so beneficial for humans. However, any product undergoes thorough testing before hitting the shelves of grocery stores, so there is no need to worry about the presence of hazardous substances. Possible harm from such a dessert is as follows:

1. Due to the large amount of fiber, people who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract may experience various dyspeptic symptoms in the form of nausea and mild pain.
2. Chronic diseases of the digestive system may worsen: gastritis, peptic ulcer.
3. The high carbohydrate content in the product increases the risk of caries formation, the development of hyperglycemia (dessert is undesirable for consumption by patients with diabetes), as well as obesity.
4. or individual intolerance to the components of a dessert product.

When consuming marshmallows, you should always remember moderation. You should not eat it in large quantities, especially for those people who have health problems.

Product selection

In order for the benefits of apple marshmallow to outweigh the possible harm, it is necessary to select and store the product correctly. Most often, dessert is bought in a store, although the best option is to prepare it yourself.

When choosing sweets, you should pay attention to the color. It is better if it is white, since any other color indicates that the manufacturer has added various dyes to the product that can cause allergic reactions in some people. In addition, it is important to always pay attention to the expiration date and not buy expired products (see).

The optimal way to store dessert: in a paper bag, tin box or canvas bag. In such packaging, the taste and shape of the marshmallow will be preserved for a long time. If you place it in a container or cellophane, it will quickly become sticky and change the taste.

Find out what and what diseases it provokes.

Read about the reason: product composition, health effects.

Did you know, ? What does the instant product consist of?

Summarizing

Pastila is a tasty and inexpensive product, approved and recommended for use by adults and children. At the same time, such a dessert is beneficial for the body: it contains microelements, increases energy levels, and improves the function of the gastrointestinal tract.

However, excessive consumption of sweets can cause increased blood glucose levels and weight gain, which is undesirable in most cases. People suffering from diabetes, obesity, or problems with the digestive system should consult their doctor about consuming this product.

The ancient delicate delicacy marshmallow, as nutritionists assure, can be not only harmless, but even useful. The main thing is to find a good marshmallow and know how to eat it.

How production technologies and composition determine the benefits of marshmallows

The history of marshmallow in Russia is closely connected with the city of Kolomna, where, as they say, monks were the first to learn how to make it, and later, when the secret of preparation became known to the merchants, the whole country and abroad learned about marshmallow.

Historians believe that marshmallows were invented not so much out of a desire to taste something tasty, but rather out of a desire to somehow preserve a rich harvest of apples, so they began to turn them into puree, mix with sugar and simmer, as if drying and baking.

From those ancient times to this day, classic marshmallow is unthinkable without apples - special varieties, with sourness (the best example is Antonovka).

Apples for marshmallows, just like before, are first turned into puree (once upon a time they were simmered in ovens for many hours), which is then boiled with sugar.

This is how most of today's marshmallows (custard) are made; this technology is easy and cheap, and the taste of viscous and sweet, but at the same time airy and delicate sweetness, is at its best.

There are two more varieties of marshmallow:

· the adhesive becomes quite viscous and dense due to the addition of molasses, pectin or agar-agar;

· glueless, made from a whipped mass of applesauce, sugar and egg whites, it has a particularly airy texture and a sweet and sour taste.

In addition to sugar, marshmallows are often sweetened with honey or molasses.

Pastila can be simple, as well as with additives - dried fruits, nuts, pieces of cookies. It is covered with chocolate glaze. A variety of desserts and cakes are prepared with marshmallows.

The taste and beneficial properties of marshmallow vary depending on what fruits (fruits, berries, and sometimes vegetables - for example, pumpkin) are included in its composition.

There are only two main vitamins in marshmallows (just apple marshmallow, for example):

· PP (niacin) regulates cholesterol levels in the blood and the activity of the pancreas;

· B2 (riboflavin) is necessary for good vision, resistance (body and mind) to stressful situations, protection of the respiratory system from harmful substances in the surrounding atmosphere and the growth of muscle tissue.

The most significant sweet minerals are potassium and phosphorus, which ensure cardiovascular health.

If the marshmallow contains agar-agar, then its benefits are complemented by the iodine content, which is necessary for the health of the thyroid gland, as well as for reducing the acidity of gastric juice.

Egg white in marshmallows, of course, differs from the protein in meat and dairy products, but, in combination with the biologically active substances of berries and fruits, it can support the process of creating new tissues in the body, and this applies not only to muscles, but also to the skeletal system .

And since there are almost always apples in marshmallows, it is important to note their special properties:

· apples themselves do not contain much iron, but like no other fruit, they promote its absorption from meat products and, in addition, directly affect the synthesis of hemoglobin;

· with regular consumption, the benefits of apples are manifested in a better supply of oxygen to the body’s tissues and in strengthening the walls of blood vessels and capillaries;

· Thanks to apples, you can strengthen your heart and respiratory system for intense physical activity.

What are the benefits of marshmallows for your weekly diet?

Pastila is a very independent dessert, in the sense that for best digestibility it is not advisable to combine it with chocolate, biscuits, porridge and the like (and with all meats, first courses and snacks too).

It’s better to treat yourself to marshmallows only, and the rest, if you like, after half an hour or an hour.

The best drink to go with marshmallows is green tea. Firstly, it will help you perceive its taste brighter and more fully, and secondly, it will promote the production of digestive enzymes and slightly slow down the rise in blood sugar levels.

Sweet marshmallow supplies the body with fast (simple) carbohydrates, invaluable for mental activity and rapid restoration of physical strength.

And although you shouldn’t expect these effects to last for a long time, in many cases, this is exactly what you need to feel good and be productive.

Sweets are an indispensable “fuel” for raising your mood, producing joy hormones - endorphins and relieving apathetic fatigue and depressive states.

Also, if you treat yourself to marshmallows from time to time, you can count on the following effects:

· improved sleep (ease of falling asleep and waking up, absence of nightmares);

· quick acclimatization when traveling;

· improved condition of nails (stronger and shiny, not susceptible to fungal diseases) and hair (more silky and manageable, without dandruff and a tendency to electrify).

In addition, recent studies have discovered another useful property of marshmallows - thanks to it, a person improves coordination of movements and increases reaction speed, which not only creates comfort in everyday life, but is also often of great importance for safety (as illustrative examples, we can cite driving a car and handling hot objects in the kitchen).

Can marshmallows be beneficial in dietary nutrition?

Pastila is a delicacy with a high energy value - about 300 kcal per 100 g. In addition, the same amount of product contains almost 0 g of fat and protein and 80 g of carbohydrates.

Glue-free marshmallows are considered more dietary and less high in calories, while custard marshmallows are the most high in calories.

But nevertheless, it is quite acceptable to include marshmallows in the menu for weight loss and this is explained by several of its features:

· in addition to regular sugar, it contains healthy fructose;

· the absence of fats in marshmallows (unless it is nut-free) allows you to adhere to a more strict menu;

· even a few pieces of marshmallow, eaten without haste, satisfies hunger well;

· the wonderful taste of marshmallow improves mood, which is important given the fact that nervous tension often accompanies dieting;

· pectins, which are certainly present in marshmallows, have the property of absorbing and removing heavy metal salts, wastes, and toxins from the body, which naturally slow down metabolism.

How bad is marshmallow?

When choosing a marshmallow in a store, first of all, you should pay attention to its composition - the abundance of artificial colors, preservatives, thickeners, flavoring additives and other things, which some manufacturers are so generous with, easily changes the beneficial properties of the marshmallow into its harm.

Due to the high sugar content, marshmallows are contraindicated for diabetes.

Also, the following cases require caution in consuming marshmallows (certainly in the amount allowed):

· overweight;

· chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute stage;

· disorders of the liver that require taking any medications.

And finally, marshmallow and harm are practically synonymous from the point of view of many dentists, since, being a sweet, it can worsen the condition of the oral cavity, which threatens, at a minimum, caries.