Traditional Tres Leches Style Cake
Summary
This cake contains refined sugar, which is a high-calorie sweetener with no essential nutrients and can contribute to health issues like obesity and diabetes. The use of enriched bleached wheat flour indicates a moderate level of processing, which affects the overall nutritional quality. Despite being a processed food, it lacks multiple harmful additives, which slightly mitigates the negative impact of its ingredients.
At a glance
Key ingredients 9
Skim MilkNeutral
Skim milk is a low-fat dairy product that provides protein and calcium. It is processed to remove most of the fat content, which may reduce some of the fat-soluble vitamins. It is a common ingredient in baked goods for moisture and texture.
Benefits
Provides protein and calcium, which are essential for bone health.
SugarBad
Refined sugar is a high-calorie sweetener with no essential nutrients. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. It is often used in baked goods to enhance sweetness and texture.
Risks
High intake of refined sugar is associated with increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental cavities.
WaterNeutral
Water is a neutral ingredient used as a solvent and to provide moisture in baked goods. It is essential for the hydration and mixing of ingredients. Water itself does not provide any calories or nutrients.
Benefits
Essential for hydration and helps in the mixing and baking process.
Enriched Bleached Wheat FlourNeutral
Enriched bleached wheat flour is a refined flour that has been treated to improve texture and color. It is enriched with vitamins and minerals like iron and B vitamins to replace nutrients lost during processing. Commonly used in baking for its fine texture and consistency.
Risks
May cause blood sugar spikes due to its high glycemic index and lacks the fiber found in whole grains.
Benefits
Provides carbohydrates for energy and is enriched with essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins.
ZincNeutral
Zinc is an essential mineral added to foods for its role in immune function and enzyme activity. It is often included in enriched foods to prevent deficiencies. Zinc is crucial for growth and development, especially in children.
Risks
Excessive intake of zinc can lead to toxicity, causing nausea and immune dysfunction.
Benefits
Supports immune function and is essential for enzyme activity and DNA synthesis.
NiacinNeutral
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is added to enriched foods to support energy metabolism and nervous system health. It is water-soluble and helps convert food into energy. Niacin is important for maintaining healthy skin and nerves.
Risks
High doses of niacin can cause flushing and liver damage.
Benefits
Supports energy metabolism and is essential for healthy skin and nerve function.
Zinc OxideNeutral
Zinc oxide is used as a source of zinc in fortified foods. It is a compound that provides zinc, which is necessary for immune function and enzyme activity. Zinc oxide is commonly used in food fortification to prevent zinc deficiency.
Risks
Excessive zinc intake from supplements can lead to toxicity and interfere with copper absorption.
Benefits
Provides zinc, which is essential for immune function and enzyme activity.
IronNeutral
Iron is an essential mineral added to enriched foods to prevent anemia and support oxygen transport in the blood. It is crucial for the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin. Iron fortification helps prevent iron deficiency, especially in populations at risk.
Risks
Excessive iron intake can lead to toxicity, causing gastrointestinal distress and organ damage.
Benefits
Essential for oxygen transport and energy production in the body.
Thiamine MononitrateNeutral
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 used in food fortification to support energy metabolism. It is water-soluble and helps convert carbohydrates into energy. Thiamine is important for nerve function and muscle contraction.
Benefits
Supports energy metabolism and is essential for nerve and muscle function.
Processing
Processed Foods
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