Benefits and Side effects of Eating Jilapi (Jalebi)

Benefits and Side effects of Eating Jilapi (jalebi)

Jilapi is a popular dessert. It is usually made with flour, sugar, and ingredients fried in oil. Although it is delicious in terms of taste, its health benefits are low and its harms are high.

Potential benefits of eating Jilapi:

These benefits are relatively limited and apply to specific situations.

1. Source of instant energy

Jilapi contains a lot of sugar and carbohydrates, which help provide the body with energy quickly.

It can be a source of instant energy, especially after fasting or during times of excessive fatigue.

2. Improve mood

Sweet foods help release the hormone serotonin, which can temporarily improve mood.

Disadvantages of eating Jilapi:

1. Increase in blood sugar levels

It is a high glycemic food; very risky for diabetics.

Excessive consumption can lead to insulin resistance or type-2 diabetes.

2. Weight gain and obesity

Jilapi is high in calories, fat, and trans fats.

Regular consumption can lead to weight gain, fat accumulation and obesity.

3. Risk of heart disease

Hydrogenated oil or old oil is usually used to fry Jilapi, which increases cholesterol through trans fats and increases the risk of heart disease.

4. Digestive problems

Excess oil and sugar can cause stomach discomfort, gas or acidity.

5. Skin damage

Sugar can increase inflammation in the skin and can accelerate acne or skin aging.

How to enjoy Jilapi safely:

Eat occasionally, in moderation.

If you can make it at home, use good quality oil and less sugar.

Eating it in the morning is relatively easy for digestion.

It is better to avoid it if you have diabetes, obesity or heart disease.

Alternatives:

Sweets made with jaggery

Healthy Halwa made with oats or semolina

Baked low-fat foods

Healthy homemade recipe for "low sugar and low fat" jilapi

Below is a healthy homemade recipe for "low sugar and low fat" jilapi, which you can easily make at home:

Healthy Jilapi Recipe (Baked / Air Fryer Version)

Ingredients:

1. Flour - 1 cup
2. Semolina - 2 tablespoons
3. Baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon
4. Yogurt (not sour curd) - 3 tablespoons
5. Hot water - as required
6. Saffron or turmeric powder - for color (optional)
7. Vanilla essence or cardamom powder - 1 pinch
8. Light olive oil or coconut oil - 1-2 teaspoons (for glazing)
9. For syrup (to reduce sugar):
10. Raw honey - 1/2 cup (or date Syrup)
11. Water - 1/4 cup
12. Lemon juice - 1 teaspoon
13. Rose water - 1 teaspoon (optional)

Preparation:

1. Batter preparation:
2. Mix flour, semolina, baking powder in a bowl.
3. Make a thick batter with yogurt, a little warm water (like pancake batter).
4. Cover and leave for 30-45 minutes.

Add water and honey in a small saucepan, boil for a while.

When it boils, mix lemon juice and rose water.

When it thickens, remove from heat and let it cool.

Fill a piping bag (or cut a polythene) with the batter.

Lightly brush a baking tray (or air fryer tray) with oil.

Pour the batter into the jilapi molds.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180° Celsius for 10-12 minutes (8-10 minutes in an air fryer).

When the color turns pink, take it out and place it directly in the syrup.

Dip it for 2-3 minutes and take it out.

Tips:

Do not add the syrup immediately after making the jilapi, as it will not be absorbed properly.

If you want, you can brush a little honey on top of the syrup instead of the syrup.

Pros of this recipe:

Less oil: Bake instead of fry.

Less sugar: Use honey or date syrup instead of regular syrup.

Semolina and yogurt make the jilapi fluffy.