Is Jelly Bad for You? – All You Need to Know
Jelly is often considered a quintessential family dessert, and rightly so. It is sweet, colorful and can be prepared easily. But, the million-dollar question is – is jelly bad for you? Is it just a harmless guilty pleasure, or does it have a negative impact on your health? In this article, we will dive into the world of jelly and explore some of the common questions asked about its nutritional value.
What Is Jelly?
Jelly is a dessert made up of flavored gelatin, sugar, and water. The gelatin used in jelly typically comes from animal collagen, which is boiled and made into a powder. When mixed with liquid, it solidifies and sets to form the jelly texture we’re all familiar with. People can add fruit juice or fruit chunks to make their jelly more flavorful.
What Are the Nutritional Facts of Jelly?
One serving of jelly contains approximately 80-100 calories and are made mostly of sugar.
- Calories – 80-100 per serving
- Sugar – 17-19 grams per serving
- Carbohydrates – 20-25 grams per serving
- Fat – 0 grams per serving
- Protein – 1-2 grams per serving
While jelly is low in protein and fat, it is high in sugar and carbohydrates.
Does Jelly Have Any Nutritional Benefits?
Despite being high in sugar and low in protein and fat, jelly has a few redeeming qualities. For instance, it is often made from gelatin, which is a good source of protein. Gelatin contains amino acids that are essential for the body, such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These are required for maintaining healthy joints, skin and nails, among other things.
Another benefit of jellies is that they are easy to digest, making them a good option for people with digestive issues, such as IBS or Crohn’s disease. Jellies can provide a good source of hydration too, especially if you add fruit chunks to your jelly. This is because fruits contain water and electrolytes, which help to replenish your body.
Can Jelly Be Harmful to Your Health?
Jelly is a dessert and, therefore, should be consumed in moderation. While it may be tempting to gorge on jelly at every meal, doing so can lead to some adverse health effects, the most significant of which is weight gain. Jelly is high in sugar, and consuming too much can lead to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Another concern with jelly is that it does not have any real nutritional value. While it can be a good way to reward children, consuming too much and too often can lead to malnutrition, especially if it replaces other more nutritional foods in their diet.
Conclusion
So, is jelly bad for you? The answer is no, as long as you consume it in moderation, it can even have some nutritional benefits. However, keep in mind that jelly is high in sugar, and consuming too much can lead to weight-related issues and potentially other health problems.
FAQs About Jelly
Is jelly gluten-free?
Yes, jelly is gluten-free, and it can be consumed by people with celiac disease.
Can jelly help with digestion?
Yes! Jelly can help with digestion, especially if it is made using fruit juice or fruit chunks. The water content and electrolytes in the fruit can help replenish your body, while the gelatin in the jelly can help to soothe and heal your gut lining.
Can jelly be consumed by vegetarians and vegans?
Most jellies are not vegetarian or vegan-friendly because they contain animal-derived gelatin. However, vegan and vegetarian-friendly jellies made using seaweed and other plant-based substitutes can be found at specialty health food stores and online.
Is it okay to eat jelly when trying to lose weight?
Jelly is high in sugar and calories and, therefore, should not be consumed in large amounts when trying to lose weight. Instead, opt for healthier alternatives like fruit slices or berries to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Can jelly be consumed by people with diabetes?
People with diabetes should avoid consuming jelly because jelly is high in sugar and can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. However, there are sugar-free jellies available in the market, which diabetics can consume in moderation.
What are some natural alternatives to jelly?
For a healthy and natural alternative to jelly, you can try making your jelly using fruits with a high pectin content, like apples, quinces, or grapes. You can add some honey or agave syrup as a sweetener, and you will have a delicious jelly that’s packed with nutrients!
Can jelly be frozen?
Yes, jelly can be frozen. But, keep in mind that once jelly has been frozen, it can lose its texture and flavor. It is best to consume jelly fresh or within a few days of making it.
How long does jelly last?
Jelly can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. However, it is best to consume jelly within a few days of making it for maximum freshness.
What is the difference between jelly and jam?
The main difference between jelly and jam is the texture. Jelly is clear and firm and is usually made by boiling fruit juice and sugar together before adding the gelatin. Jam, on the other hand, is thick and chunky because it contains mashed or pureed fruit.
Are there any downsides to consuming too much jelly?
Yes, consumption of too much jelly can lead to weight gain, obesity, malnutrition, and other health problems associated with overconsumption of sugar.
References
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/jelly
- https://www.health.com/food/is-gelatin-good-for-you
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/335362-the-nutritional-value-of-jello/
- https://www.goodfood.com.au/recipes/fruit-jellies-20160308-4a0ac