Have you all this while been enjoying pancakes but are unaware of its detrimental effects especially related to overall health?
Well, pancakes are unhealthy to a great extent and can have numerous damaging effects on one’s physical condition. Though people get too engrossed with its taste and flavour thus relishing the dessert to its fullest, the other side of it is often overlooked.
After a sumptuous dinner, dessert is something that everybody likes. There are a variety of desserts, from pastries to ice cream to pancakes, the list is never-ending. But having too much from any of these can be quite harmful to one’s health. Pancakes are a favourite of many and maybe even considered an ideal dessert apart from other desserts, but its over-consumption can be quite hindering one’s nutrition. Pancakes are eaten along with a number of accompaniments such as butter or maple syrup, honey, Nutella etc. Some might want to believe that pancakes are a healthy option, but if genuinely considered they have always been known to be unhealthy.
Origin of pancakes
The authentic sweet pancakes that are known to all and savoured by everyone originated in Greece and Rome. A kind of pancake which was sweetened with honey was eaten by ancient Greeks and Romans. The first pancakes were named ‘Alita Dolcia’ (‘’another sweet’’ in Latin) and were prepared and introduced by the Romans in the 1st century.
The Elizabethans of England set a new trend wherein they ate pancakes with additional substances such as rosewater, apples, sherry, nuts and exotic spices. Pancakes were and till today eaten on Pancake Day which is known to be the last day of feasting before the fasting period of Lent commences. The most expensive pancakes in the world is available for $200.00 at Opus in the Printworks in England.
Pancakes with syrup overloaded on top of it can quickly raise blood sugar and triglycerides to increase the risk of heart disease. But which are the ingredients that cause pancakes to appear unwholesome? While each one might have a different and their own style of preparing pancakes, the primary ingredient that targets one’s health is flour. This flour slows down digestion which creates a lethargic metabolism and causes an increase in weight. Also, carbohydrates contribute to the highest amount of calories contained in pancakes. Other additional ingredients such as butter, chocolate chip and syrup can considerably bring about a negative effect thus affecting the nutritional value of pancakes.
The low fibre content in pancakes doesn’t make it a filling and substantial meal, hence it doesn’t really pacify one’s hunger pangs. Pancake pre-mixes which are easily available and a quick and convenient source are normally more processed than pancakes made at home and as a result of which they may contain a lesser quantity of vitamins and minerals like phosphorous, iron and potassium.
Another factor is the sugar content in pancakes which is significantly high. Consuming an excess amount of sugar can trigger the threat of diabetes, augment cholesterol and lead to several illnesses related to the heart due to the thickening of the walls of the arteries. Since sugar is excessively calorie-dense, it can further cause obesity.
Are pancakes a nutritious snack?
Since pancakes are high in sodium, carbohydrates and fat therefore they need to be eaten in moderation and one cannot binge eat them all the time.
Pancakes also contain common food allergens such as eggs, milk and wheat. For a person who has an allergy to any of the above-mentioned food items, pancakes can be a risky option among desserts. Therefore, pancakes are certainly not suitable in this case. The kind of toppings used for pancakes also matter a lot especially in deciding the extent to which the pancakes are healthy or not.
Pancakes are certainly not a bad dessert if consumed carefully. When spoken of desserts, one tends to go overboard with them. However, if pancakes are made the right way that is using the correct quantity of ingredients and eating them in moderation then it is not very harmful to one’s overall health. Although not that healthy an alternative it can be still eaten to break the monotony in day to day meals.
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