Photo by Amit Lahav on Unsplash

1.Impact of sweets on health:

• Advantages: Candy, especially those containing cocoa, may contain antioxidants that are beneficial for heart health. Additionally, consuming sweets can sometimes improve mood as they impact the production of endorphins, the “happiness hormone.” •

Disadvantages: Added sugars found in many sweets can lead to overweight, increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and tooth decay. Moreover, an excess of sweets can negatively affect energy levels and concentration.

2.Types of sweets:

Chocolate: It comes in various forms such as milk, dark, white, and with additions like nuts, fruits, or spices.

Candies: They come in many varieties, from hard and sour (e.g., sour shells) to soft (e.g., gummies) and filled (e.g., truffles).

Cookies and biscuits: They can be crispy, soft, filled, with nuts, chocolate, oats, etc.

Chewing gum and dragees: In different flavors, shapes, and with various uses (e.g., with xylitol for a healthier effect on teeth).

Photo by Pushpak Dsilva on Unsplash

3.Presence of candy worldwide:

Grocery stores: Sweets are widely available in supermarkets and grocery stores worldwide.

Cafes and pastry shops: In some countries, there are special places where you can buy high-quality, handmade sweets.

Local traditions: Different regions worldwide have unique sweets associated with local traditions, such as baklava in the Middle East or churros in Spain.

4.Most popular sweets in different countries:

USA: Hershey’s chocolate, M&M’s, Snickers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Japan: Kit Kat (in various flavors, often regional), Pocky, traditional wagashi sweets.

Italy: Tiramisu, cannoli, biscotti cookies.

France: Macarons, pain au chocolat, chocolate truffles.

Photo by tommao wang on Unsplash

5.History of candy:

• Sweets have a long and diverse history. In ancient cultures, before the discovery of sugar, natural sweeteners like honey were the main ingredients in sweets. With the discovery of sugar in India and its later introduction to Europe in the Middle Ages, various types of sugary treats began to emerge. In the 17th and 18th centuries, jams were popular, and with the industrial revolution in the 19th century, mass production of chocolate and candies became possible, changing the landscape of sweets forever.

6.Sweets and culture:

• Sweets play a significant role in the culture and traditions of societies worldwide. Many countries have special sweets associated with specific holidays or events, such as gingerbread in Germany during Christmas, Easter candies, or sweets related to the Hindu festival Diwali. Sweets often have symbolic meanings and are used to express feelings, for example, as gifts during holidays or celebrations. For instance, offering traditional sweets to guests is a common practice in Middle Eastern cultures, reflecting warmth and a sense of community.

7. Candy in the kitchen:

• Sweets not only serve as standalone treats but are also often used as ingredients in the kitchen. Chocolate, for example, is used in many desserts, from cakes to ice cream. Adding sweets to dishes can give them a unique taste and aroma, as seen in traditional dishes of Arab cuisine, where dried fruits and honey are frequently used in combination with meat.

Summary:

Consuming sweets should be moderate, and a healthy diet based on diverse nutritional elements is crucial for maintaining good physical and mental health. While sweets provide pleasure, an excess of sugars can lead to various health problems, emphasizing the importance of balance and choosing healthier alternatives. Ultimately, a key to a healthy lifestyle is a conscious approach to diet and ensuring diversity in consumed products.

Other sample posts:

EASY SUGAR COOKIE RECIPE – 10 STEPS

Photo by Tamás Szabó on Unsplash