Are Desserts from The Great British Bake Off Actually Healthy? 🍰👩🍳
A humorous BMJ study reveals that the delectable desserts showcased on The Great British Bake Off TV show may be less unhealthy than perceived.
Are desserts ever healthy? Consider the Great British Bake Off.
📸 Ruth Black/Stocksy
The Great British Bake Off (TGBBO) is every dessert lover’s dream. But are the mouthwatering treats baked on the show really as bad for us as they seem? A study published in The BMJ suggests that they might not be as unhealthy as we think.
The Surprising Findings of The BMJ Study
According to The BMJ, many of the ingredients used by TGBBO bakers come from food groups that are associated with a reduced risk of death and disease. However, nutritionists argue that the study lacks consideration of important factors and should be taken with a grain of salt.
The study analyzed 48 recipes for Christmas desserts from the TGBBO website and identified 178 unique ingredients. The researchers then searched through thousands of research titles and abstracts to explore the associations of these ingredient groups with reported risks of death or disease. The results revealed that 74% of the ingredient groups actually reduced the risk of death and illness.
🍇 Fruits were associated with a reduced risk of death and disease in 40% of the associations. ☕ Coffee was associated with a reduced risk in 16% of the associations. 🥜 Nuts were associated with a reduced risk in 13% of the associations.
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On the flip side, alcohol and sugar were the ingredients most commonly associated with mortality and illness.
But Hold On, Let’s Not Get Carried Away! 🧐
Before you reach for another slice of cake, let’s examine these findings more closely. Registered dietitian Kelsey Costa points out that while the study provides a sense of comfort in enjoying festive treats, it fails to consider the amounts of ingredients used in the recipes. For example, some TGBBO recipes contain staggering amounts of sugar.
For instance, Rahul’s “Spiced Apple & Plum Nut Crumble With Orange & Ginger Ice Cream” recipe includes around 378 grams of sugar. Even divided into eight servings, each serving exceeds the recommended daily limit of sugar.
It’s worth noting that many people tend to have more than one serving of a particularly delicious dessert, which only adds to the sugar overload. So, while some ingredients in TGBBO recipes have health benefits, the overall sugar content remains a concern.
The Nutrient Density Dilemma 🥗🧁
Registered dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick believes that focusing on specific beneficial ingredients is a good start, but understanding the nutritional value of desserts as a whole is essential. The BMJ study doesn’t provide concrete positive correlations between dessert recipes and health outcomes.
Costa echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that TGBBO’s published recipes are designed to be decadent and indulgent, not necessarily healthy. While desserts featuring healthier ingredients like fruit, healthy fats (such as nuts and nut butter), and dark chocolate may offer some health benefits, they often come with other ingredients that can offset those benefits.
So, Should We Just Give Up on Desserts? 🙅♀️
The consensus among experts is that we don’t need to completely avoid desserts to lead a healthy lifestyle. Kirkpatrick advises patients to enjoy desserts without guilt and shame but to choose them as occasional treats rather than seeking health benefits from them.
While occasional indulgence is acceptable, it’s important to maintain a nutrient-dense diet the majority of the time. Desserts incorporating healthy fats, fruit, and dark chocolate can provide more healthful elements when consumed in moderation. However, it’s crucial to balance dessert enjoyment with a well-rounded diet that emphasizes overall nutrition.
Ultimately, there are many factors that contribute to longevity, and diet is just one piece of the puzzle. Desserts can be a pleasurable part of life as long as they don’t overshadow the importance of a nutrient-dense diet.
So, go ahead and savor that slice of cake, but remember to keep it in moderation! 😄🍰
🔍 Further Reading:
Here are some links for more information on the topic:
Q&A
Q: Can you suggest some healthier dessert alternatives? A: Absolutely! If you’re looking for healthier dessert options, you can try fruit salads, yogurt parfaits, or homemade granola bars. These options can satisfy your sweet tooth without excessive sugar. Here’s a refreshing fruit salad recipe to get you started!
Q: Is it better to bake desserts at home or buy them from a store? A: Baking desserts at home gives you more control over the ingredients and portion sizes. You can experiment with healthy substitutes and reduce the sugar content. Store-bought desserts often contain higher levels of added sugars and unhealthy fats. However, it’s essential to read food labels and select options with minimal added sugars and artificial ingredients.
Q: Can I satisfy my sweet cravings with dark chocolate? A: Dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa (70% or more) contains antioxidants and less added sugar compared to other chocolates. Enjoying a piece of dark chocolate in moderation can be a healthier option to satisfy your sweet cravings. But remember, portion control is key!
Remember to share this article with your fellow dessert enthusiasts! 🍰✨
