The monsoon season is underway and with that we are often tempted to enjoy different Indian snacks. However, marshmallows are also slowly becoming popular as they are commonly eating with hot chocolate or coffee. But are they healthy? Dr. Monal Velangi, senior dietitian, Dept of Nutrition and Dietetics, K J Somaiya Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, tells you more
Updated On: 2024-08-26 06:50 PM IST
Compiled by : Nascimento Pinto
Dr Velangi says marshmallows being full of white sugar, it can’t be categorised as healthy food. White sugar has been shown to have harmful effects in body in latest research.
The Mumbai doctor says extremely high sugar content is not good for health, as its overconsumption may lead to obesity and related non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases.
Since it doesn't particularly have any health benefits and is purely an indulgence, Velangi says it should be had in moderation. "Marshmallows have sugar, which has this addictive craving property, it is easy to develop a liking and addiction to marshmallows and thus difficult to stop at one.
Due to high sugar content, the Mumbai-based dietitian says people with health concerns should avoid it completely. In the case of healthy people, it is best to not eat it to prevent diseases.
Dr Velangi says the only place it may help is if a person is hypoglycemic (low blood sugar), a single piece may shoot the blood glucose up. However, it is not a recommended food to go for as there are other better options. Additionally, she says people who do not consume sugar or are advised not to consume gelatin, should definitely not consume marshmallows.