Food is essentially for nourishment but there are times when it is also or mostly about other reasons. For example, cakes are mostly used for celebratory reasons.
By the way, this is an agelong practice that dates back centuries in ancient Egypt. There were also records of it being used as part of religious ceremonies in ancient Greece. For more insight into this, you can visit: https://candiesandsweets.com/.
As a result, the emphasis on cakes is usually on looks and taste. The question is whether cakes can offer a trio of good – look, taste, and nourishment. Thankfully, this is possible but it mostly depends on the kind opted for, which is why pumpkin cake comes highly recommended.
This article is more particular about the nourishment part, which is why it examines some of the health benefits offered by some of its ingredients. But first, let us see the ingredients used.
Ingredients Used for Making Pumpkin Cake
Some of the ingredients used are compulsory, which suggests that they must be added to ensure the cake has the texture, flavor, as well as nutritional benefits associated with pumpkin cakes. Ingredients that belong to the compulsory class include:
- Pumpkin
- Flour
- Eggs
- Cinnamon
- Baking Powder and/or Baking Soda
- Sweetener
Furthermore, some other ingredients can be added. These are not compulsory, but they offer additional texture, flavor, and nutritional benefits. Ingredients that belong to this category include:
- Greek Yogurt
- Vanilla Extract
- Walnuts/Pecans
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
- Olive Oil/Coconut Oil
- Salt
The choice of especially the additional ingredients used (if used) can also be informed by the dietary requirements of consumers. So, this should be taken into consideration when making and purchasing this kind of cake.
Nutritional Perks of Pumpkin Cake Ingredients
Good look, taste, and nourishment are what good cake should offer and this option ticks all these boxes. Especially as it concerns nourishment, some of its compulsory ingredients and what they offer nutritionally are discussed below:
1. Pumpkin
This is the most important ingredient as suggested by the name. Although often used as a vegetable, it is a fruit and more specifically a pepo berry. In addition to being the main ingredient in the mix, its involvement is very important for flavor, moisture, and of course, its nutrients.
Speaking of its nutrients, it is rich in several essential vitamins. This includes vitamins A, C, as well as E. It also has a good amount of fiber, which is good for digestion, and potassium.
Pumpkins contribute to having and maintaining healthy skin, especially because of how rich they are in antioxidants. Beta-carotene is a prime example of one of the antioxidants in question. You can click here to find out more about the role of antioxidants in the body.
Furthermore, nutrients like vitamin A, which pumpkin has a rich amount of, help in boosting the immune system. It also enables clear vision.
2. Cinnamon
Several ingredients offer similar benefits, as much as they have peculiar nutritional benefits. Bearing this in mind, cinnamon is equally anti-oxidant rich.
In addition to being rich in antioxidants, it has been discovered to help with blood sugar regulation. As a result, people with high blood sugar levels benefit from its involvement.
Furthermore, it has anti-inflammatory properties which make it good for recovery from pain and injury. Its anti-inflammatory benefits are especially down to its containing a compound known as cinnamaldehyde.
3. Flour
There are several kinds of flour, and the kind used determines the nutritional benefit offered. Some of the kinds of flour that can be used include:
- Whole Wheat
- All-Purpose
- Almond
- Rice
- Chickpea
- Oat
- Coconut
- Spelt
- Tapioca
- Sorghum
As mentioned earlier, the kind used largely determines the nutritional benefit offered. For example, coconut, almond, oat, and rice options are prime examples of gluten-free flour. On the other hand, whole wheat, all-purpose, and spelt options contain gluten.
This suggests that knowledge of the kind of flour used is important. Generally, flour plays a vital role in the formation of the cake’s structure, regardless of the kind.
4. Sweetener
This is more like it is with flour as there are several sweetener options. In the same vein, the kind of sweetener used largely determines the health benefits or effects, as the case may be. Some of the options available include:
- Granulated Sugar
- Honey
- Brown Sugar
- Coconut Sugar
- Maple Syrup
- Stevia
- Agave Nectar
- Date Sugar
- Powdered Sugar
- Monk Fruit Sweetener
There are even situations when more than one of these is combined to achieve a desired taste. Taste is the primary reason for using sweeteners, as the name suggests.
However, you should know that some of these sweeteners are more nutritionally beneficial than others. As a result, knowledge of the sweeteners used to make pumpkin cakes that you plan on consuming is important. It is also why you need to be aware of the health effects of various options.
Conclusion
Pumpkin cakes offer a great deal of good taste and look without compromising on nourishment. Of course, this is provided that the right ingredients are used and they are baked by capable hands. This is why consulting reliable hands for this task is important.