The birthday cake is a luxuriant dessert cake specially baked for the occasion.
History
The ancient Roman birthday cakes were conventionally round and contained nuts and honey. The later European birthday cakes were artistic. They were made in fancy shapes, and were elaborately decorated with candies and other fancy cake decorations.
Ingredients and Preparation
The main ingredients which are used in the preparation of Birthday cake are milk, eggs, wheat flour, soybean oil, sugar, baking powder, salt, starch and gum, artificial flavor, emulsifiers, TBHQ and citric acid (antioxidants). It can be frosted with innumerable varieties of icings and can also be layered.
Health and Nutrition Facts
Serving size – 1 Piece (22 g)
Approximate values per serving (Calories - 110 cal, Fat – 6 g, Carbohydrates – 13 g, Protein – 1 g, Saturated fat –3.5 g, Cholesterol – 0 mg, Sodium – 40 mg, Sugars – 9 g)
Nutritional Benefits of Birthday cake
1. Very Low in Cholesterol
2. Low in Sodium
3. Contains Calcium and Iron
4. Contain vitamins – B3 (Niacin), B1 (Thiamin), B12 (Riboflavin), Folic Acid
Health Benefits
1. Provides Energy - The flour and the sugar of the cake provide the required carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are one of the major energy sources for the body. Brain requires simple carbohydrates for energy e.g. glucose subunits.
2. Helps in Digestion – The cakes contain fruits such as pineapple, carrots, bananas and apples which provide digestive fiber as well as the natural sweetness. Banana can help in promoting growth of useful and beneficial bacteria in our intestines which combat bad bacteria.
3. Provides Warmth and Energy -It is a good source of fats and oils which are used as the shortening and frosting. These fats provide the energy and heat for the body in winter or cold season.
4. Strengthens bones, muscles and immune system - It also contains milk proteins, milk minerals (like calcium) and egg proteins. Milk proteins help in the formation of strong bones, teeth and muscles. Milk calcium is also required for the healthy bones and teeth. Birthday cakes with fruits like pineapples, apples and strawberries have essential vitamins, which help in strengthening the body’s immune system.
5. Hormones – Chocolate or nuts frosted cakes increase the serotonin and endorphin levels in body which cause happiness. This helps greatly in managing anxiety.
However, there is so much nutrition in a piece of cake but one should remember to have control over eating and get all the nutrients which are essentially required for the body.
Healthy Birthday cake options for Diabetic people–
1. Sugar free cake with molasses
2. Carrot cake replacing sugar with carrots
3. Cake with cream cheese frosting which is sugar free
Note: Birthday cake is - i) High in Fat and saturated fat, and ii) Very high in sugars.
Health Issues
Birthday cake is usually very high in sugars which can cause dental caries, diabetes, and obesity.