Donuts are known almost all over the world and depending on the region they may differ in filling (or lack thereof) and how they are called. Although they were eaten already in ancient times, they have undergone quite a revolution and those that we eat today in no way resemble those from thousands of years ago.
Round history of the donut
The first known donuts were primarily salty. Instead of sweet marmalade or pudding, they had pork fat in them. There are many hypotheses as to how they turned to sweet taste. The most likely one is the Arab influence and the love of extremely sweet desserts.
At first, the dough made for them was hard, stuffed with pork fat, and deep-fried (usually in lard). It wasn't until around the 16th century that they took on a sweet form, and over the next two centuries they gained their unique round shape.
Lots of calories, but that's not all...
Behind what is exceptionally tasty and eagerly eaten there’s usually an unhealthy truth. It is not only about wheat flour, sweet filling, or yeast necessary to make the dough for donuts. The biggest health hazard is the deep fat in which the doughnut is fried.
Trans fats, as they are referred to, are derivatives of vegetable oils. They can also be found in dairy products or some types of meat and these do not pose a major health risk. Problems begin when they are artificially hardened. In this form, they are particularly popular in the food and confectionery industry.
Why? Because it is perfect for multiple frying without the need to change before frying the next portions of doughnuts. This is a great convenience, which significantly reduces the cost of production.
Their excessive presence in the diet can significantly increase the level of LDL, the so-called bad cholesterol, and significantly reduce the concentration of the good one, which is HDL. Excessive trans fat in the diet (i.e. exceeding 2 grams) increases the value of triglycerides in the blood, which, in the future, may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease. They also increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
How many calories does a doughnut have and how to burn them
Unfortunately, you have to pay a lot for every pleasure. One doughnut is about 60 g and - depending on the filling - from 300 to 350 kcal. The fastest way to burn the same amount of calories is to walk up and down the stairs for 12 minutes. In the case of running - just 20 minutes is enough. If we prefer skating, walking or dancing we need 30, 40 and 60 minutes respectively.
