甜品一向是兒童的最愛,而一般中式甜品較西式甜品健康。因此,有時候都可讓兒童放縱一下,享受一下品嘗甜品的樂趣。芝麻小丸子的主要素材為黑芝麻和糯米粉,而糯米卡路里本身並不低,但偶爾進食亦無妨。進食小丸子的時間最好為「下午茶」時段,一方面能作為小食,另一方面又能避免於晚間攝取,減低肥胖風險。
黑芝麻含有多種微量元素,當中包括鈣、銅、鐵、錳、鎂、維生素E和B1,也是單元不飽和脂肪酸的極佳來源,有效預防心血管疾病。另一方面,黑芝麻亦含有獨特的植物性雌激素 – 芝麻素。這種活性成份能保護受酒精傷害的肝臟細胞,並修復肝臟受損組織;另外,它能降低血液中膽固醇,因此,黑芝麻擁有著很強的保健潛能,但更具體的療效則有待進一步的臨床研究去證實。
Desserts are often children’s favorites, and normally Chinese desserts are relatively healthier when compared to desserts from Western countries. Therefore, occasionally allowing your children to enjoy some Chinese desserts is a wise choice. “Sesame Rice Ball” is primarily made with black sesame and glutinous rice flour; although the calorie of glutinous rice flour is high, occasional consumption is acceptable. This dessert is suitable during afternoon tea-time, on one hand, it can be a snack, and on the other hand, it can prevent over-eating during dinner.
Black sesame contains various micronutrients, including calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, vitamin E and B1, while also being a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids – a healthy type of fat essential in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, black sesame also contains a unique phytoestrogen – “Sesamin”. This phytochemical is useful in the protection towards alcohol-induced liver damages, and can also repair damage liver tissues. Furthermore, sesamin can also help lower serum cholesterol. Thus, black sesame has various health-promoting effects, but further clinical researches are needed to demonstrate its potential therapeutic effects.