Cakes are a sweet treat that many people enjoy during special occasions. However, it can be unhealthy to eat too much of them.
A small slice of cake can pack a lot of calories into your diet, especially when topped with frosting. If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to eat cake in moderation.
Protein
Whether you’re following the low-carb diet, or just want to cut calories by substituting cake for bread, protein is essential for keeping your metabolism humming. Most commercially prepared cakes and pies contain high-calorie ingredients like butter, cream, and sugar, so you should be careful with these types of treats.
A good amount of protein can help to keep your blood sugar levels stable while providing a satisfying, filling snack. It can also reduce cravings for sweets and improve mood.
In baking, proteins serve as dough conditioners, structuring agents and moisture controllers. They are also important for developing elasticity of the gluten in flour.
Some of these functions include foaming, emulsifying, gelling and water-binding, Maillard reaction, flavor development and more. However, too much protein can result in overly dry baked goods.
Protein-rich flours such as flaxseed, lupin, red lentil and coconut are good sources of protein. They may be a bit more expensive than wheat flour but they are much lower in fat and carbohydrates, so can be a good choice for those looking to minimize their intake of calories.
Another option is to use a protein powder, which can be more absorbent than other flours. These types of powders are great for adding structure to your baked goods, but they will often require more liquid than traditional flours, and they’ll likely result in a dry, crumbly texture.
If you’re unsure which type of protein is best for your recipe, start with a basic, non-flavorless protein powder, and play around with the additions until you get a taste you love. If you’re not satisfied with the results, try experimenting with different brands until you find one that works well for you.
Vitamin B-3
Vitamin B-3 is a water-soluble nutrient that’s important for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. It’s also essential for regulating blood lipid levels.
It’s found in a variety of foods including poultry, fish, dairy products and nuts. It’s also available as a supplement.
Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin that’s needed for converting food to energy and maintaining good cholesterol. It’s also important for preventing anemia and for maintaining normal red blood cells.
It’s a good idea to get your vitamins from whole foods rather than supplements. It’s often easier for your body to absorb the vitamins you get from whole foods than from supplements.
The 8 essential B vitamins are water-soluble and help to convert food into fuel for the body. They’re important for maintaining a healthy nervous system and for making enzymes that regulate your metabolism.
They can be found in a variety of foods including fish, poultry, cereal grains, legumes and green vegetables. They’re essential for reducing fatigue and for keeping your eyes and ears healthy.
Phosphorus is a mineral that works in conjunction with calcium to build strong bones and teeth. It’s also important for regulating muscle and nerve function. It’s a key part of the process of forming collagen, a major protein in the body.
It’s a mineral that has been linked to a reduced risk of bone fractures. It’s also helpful for promoting healthy immune systems and regulating blood sugar levels. It’s a good idea to get it from foods that are high in zinc, copper and calcium. It’s a good idea to make sure you get enough of these minerals every day. They’re found in a variety of foods including fish, chicken, meat, beans and cereal grains.
Vitamin B-5
The eighth of the eight B vitamins, vitamin B-5, is a vital coenzyme that helps your body convert carbohydrates into energy. It also enables your body to metabolize fats and proteins.
It also helps to signal hormones that control your adrenal glands and other important functions. Deficiency of this nutrient can lead to problems such as irritability, depression, anxiety and insomnia.
Like other B vitamins, this vitamin is also essential for preventing heart disease and keeping your nervous system, skin, hair, eyes and liver healthy. In order to get the recommended intake of vitamin B-5, it’s important to eat foods that are rich in this vitamin.
This vitamin is most commonly found in animal products, especially meat, but it’s also present in whole grains, legumes and vegetables. The best way to ensure you’re getting enough is to eat fresh, unprocessed foods.
As the name suggests, pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that dissolves in water in your cells and blood. It’s also important for maintaining a healthy cholesterol level in the body.
Pantothenic acid gets converted into a coenzyme in your body called coenzyme A (CoA). It’s used to drive the biochemical cycles that turn nutrients like carbs and proteins into energy, and it helps you make cholesterol and steroid hormones.
A deficiency in this vitamin is very rare, but it’s still important to eat plenty of B5-rich foods. Symptoms of a deficiency can include numbness and burning sensations in your hands and feet, muscle cramps, fatigue, headaches, irritability, depression, insomnia, anemia and abnormal skin development. It’s best to consult with your doctor if you have any symptoms. You can also try supplements to help boost your vitamin B-5 levels.
Copper
Copper is an essential mineral that helps support a healthy immune system, blood cells, and bones. It also plays a key role in energy production, iron metabolism, and neurotransmitter synthesis. In addition, it helps with the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
There are many sources of copper in the diet. It is most abundant in shellfish, seeds and nuts, organ meats, wheat-bran cereals, and whole-grain products. The body can absorb copper from foods in up to 12% of the amount eaten, depending on the dietary source.
However, a small number of individuals have rare genetic conditions that prevent copper from being absorbed. These include Menkes disease, which is an X-linked recessive disorder. In this condition, a copper-transporting ATPase is missing or malfunctioning and inhibits copper absorption in the intestine. The condition can lead to low levels of copper in the body, which is associated with bone and joint disorders and a high risk of osteoporosis [1,2,3].
Intakes below the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for copper are common among adults. In the United States, 6 to 15% of adults aged 19 and older have copper intakes below the EAR. People with inadequate copper status can benefit from a daily supplement that provides 900 to 1,100 micrograms of copper per day. This should be taken in conjunction with a nutrient-rich diet to ensure adequate dietary intake.
Manganese
Manganese is an essential nutrient that helps protect the body from free radical damage. It is found in a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables. It is an antioxidant and an important co-factor for enzymes that help the body convert carbohydrates, proteins and fats into energy.
This nutrient also plays a role in the production of collagen, a major protein in the body that keeps skin and other tissues strong and healthy. Its deficiency can lead to weak bones and a loss of tissue integrity.
Another nutrient that is often missing from our diets, zinc is needed to produce erythrocytes, red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. It also helps the immune system function properly and regulates a number of other bodily functions.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a role in protecting the body from free radicals and cancer. It can be found in a variety of foods, including fresh fruit and vegetables. It is an important nutrient for maintaining normal growth and development, controlling the acid-base balance of the body, building and repairing muscles and controlling the electrical activity of the heart.
Calcium is an essential mineral that supports a healthy immune system and bone health. It also promotes cellular repair and formation of blood vessels and bones. It is also necessary for healthy heart and kidney function.
Sodium is a mineral that helps regulate body temperature and fluid balance. It also helps control high blood pressure. It is an important part of the body’s electrolyte system and is essential for a healthy nervous system, skeletal muscles and teeth. It is found in a wide range of foods, including some dairy products and processed foods.