Savoring the sweet, buttery mooncake with a cup of hot tea has become a distinctive cultural feature of Vietnamese people during the Mid-Autumn Festival. However, not everyone can indulge in this special treat. Why is that? Are you one of those people? Let’s find out.
1. A Brief Introduction to Mooncakes
Mooncakes are a unique feature of the Mid-Autumn Festival, with people buying or making them to express their love and care for their loved ones. While traditional mooncakes used to be limited to sticky rice and mixed filling varieties, today’s mooncakes come in a much wider range of flavors and styles, from abalone and bird’s nest to salted egg yolk, custard, green tea, and more.
Special mooncakes are also available for those on diets or with health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, etc.
Mooncakes sold in the market today are typically produced by three main sources:
- Mooncakes from large confectionery companies, produced in bulk following standardized procedures.
- Mooncakes made by small private businesses, often handmade with traditional recipes.
- Homemade mooncakes, crafted by families in their own kitchens.
In general, a typical mooncake contains the following nutritional values:
- A 176g mixed-filling baked mooncake provides 706 kcal, 18g of protein, 31.5g of fat, and 87.5g of carbohydrates.
- A 176g baked mooncake with mung bean and one egg provides 648 Kcal, 19.5g of protein, 27.5g of fat, and 80.6g of carbohydrates.
- The amount of sugar and flour in a sticky mooncake or a baked mooncake is equivalent to 2-3 bowls of rice (one bowl of rice is 258g).
The fat content in mooncakes mostly comes from lard, a type of saturated fat that can be harmful in large quantities. The fat content is equivalent to 1-2 times the amount found in a bowl of beef pho. The protein content is also high and is usually of animal origin; if not properly stored, it can spoil and cause food poisoning.
As mooncakes go through multiple processing steps, the amount of vitamins and minerals retained is significantly reduced. Therefore, consuming large quantities may not be beneficial and could even have negative effects on the body.
2. What Happens If You Eat Too Many Mooncakes?
It Can Cause Diabetes in Obese Children
Consuming excessive amounts of mooncakes can lead to diabetes in obese children or those with glucose intolerance. For children with normal weight, eating a piece of mooncake on an empty stomach can cause a significant spike in blood sugar levels, reducing their appetite for the main meal. Over time, this can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Weight Gain
Another consequence, affecting both children and adults, is weight gain. As mentioned earlier, a typical mooncake contains nearly 1000 calories, while the recommended daily calorie intake is between 1600 and 2200 calories. Eating more than one mooncake at a time or regularly consuming mooncakes can lead to weight gain, especially if used as a dessert after dinner.
Acne Breakout
The high-fat content in mooncakes can also worsen acne-prone skin by increasing sebum production, which is a major cause of acne.
Dental Issues
Mooncakes are very sweet, and if consumed in large quantities without proper dental hygiene, can lead to dental problems such as tooth decay, gum inflammation, and sore throat.
3. Individuals with Certain Health Conditions Should Be Cautious About Eating Mooncakes
Diabetics
Mooncakes are high in sugar and chemical sweeteners, which can be detrimental to individuals with diabetes or a family history of the disease. Even a small piece of mooncake can cause a significant increase in blood sugar levels, making the condition worse and more challenging to manage.
Reference:
Individuals with Gallstones or Gallbladder Issues
Excessive consumption of mooncakes by individuals with gallstones or gallbladder problems can lead to acute pancreatitis and even death. Therefore, it is advisable for these individuals to refrain from eating mooncakes unless necessary.
Individuals with Cardiovascular and Hypertension Issues
Those with cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, high cholesterol, and other related conditions should avoid mooncakes, especially those with sweet fillings or nuts. These can hinder blood circulation and impair heart function.
Additionally, the salted egg yolks commonly found in mooncakes can contain 600-1500mg of cholesterol, exceeding the recommended daily limit of 400mg for individuals with hypertension, high blood lipids, and coronary heart disease, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction.
Salty fillings in mooncakes can also be detrimental to individuals with hypertension or a history of the condition.
Individuals with Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers
Consuming mooncakes stimulates the body to secrete more acid to aid digestion due to the high-fat content. This increase in acid secretion can worsen gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Infants and the Elderly
Both infants and the elderly have weaker digestive systems, and the high sugar and fat content in mooncakes can cause unwanted health issues for these age groups. Additionally, the elderly are more likely to have the aforementioned health conditions, and consuming mooncakes can exacerbate their symptoms.
Pregnant Women
High sugar and fat intake can negatively impact pregnant women, leading to health issues such as hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, which can directly affect the fetus. Therefore, pregnant women should also exercise moderation when it comes to mooncakes, indulging in small amounts to satisfy their cravings.
Overweight and Obese Individuals
Eating mooncakes can easily lead to weight gain, and for those who are already overweight or obese, this is certainly not desirable. If you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, it is best to avoid mooncakes altogether.
To cater to those with special dietary needs, there are now mooncakes available with reduced sugar and fat content, allowing individuals with diabetes, obesity, and other conditions to enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival without compromising their health. However, it is important not to overindulge even in these specialized mooncakes.
4. How to Enjoy Mooncakes in a Healthy Way
Consume in Moderation
According to nutrition experts, it is best to eat only a small piece (1/8 of a mooncake) after a meal. If you wish to eat more, reduce your intake of rice or other foods accordingly. For example, if you eat half a baked mooncake, cut down on one bowl of rice.
Pair with Green Vegetables
It is recommended to eat mooncakes with green vegetables to aid digestion and prevent a rapid increase in blood sugar levels.
Stay Active
After indulging in mooncakes, it is important to stay active and go for a 30-minute walk to burn off the excess calories. Don’t forget to brush your teeth thoroughly afterward to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent tooth decay.
We hope this information helps you understand the potential health impacts of mooncakes and how to enjoy them in a healthy manner. Wishing you a happy and healthy Mid-Autumn Festival!
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