The Agrifood Technological Institute (AINIA) has carried out a study that has analysed, from a chemical and nutritional point of view, Christmas sweets and has identified their notable nutritional aspects. Specifically, typical products of this sector have been studied, such as Jijona nougat, Jijona nougat in liquid texture, Alicante nougat and its cake format.
The analysis has shown that the products studied are good quality foods in terms of their organoleptic and nutritional properties, as they contain an important source of protein , specifically a significant percentage of arginine, which plays a relevant role in the prevention of vascular pathology. In addition, they are a good source of phytosterols, which help reduce the degree of cholesterol absorption and could offer protection against the most common types of cancer, such as colon, breast and prostate .
Nougat, healthy for a balanced diet
On the other hand, the fiber content stands out, essential for the daily diet due to the preventive effects of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases. They also have a high oxidative capacity, with protective activity against the harmful action of free radicals and also have a high content of healthy fat, which helps prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases, being the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids around 90%.
The analysis carried out indicates that these products are healthy foods because they contain a series of nutrients that are capable of developing positive effects on human health. Nougat is a food that taken in moderation can form part of a balanced and healthy diet that conforms to accepted dietary recommendations . Although the study shows that these nutrients found in nougat are healthy, it must be taken into account that when a food is eaten, many factors intervene and, therefore, it is necessary to delve into clinical studies that prove the beneficial effect. of these foods, included in the right amount in a balanced diet.
