Are Macarons Bad For You?

There is a certain alluring quality that sweet snacks have that make them irresistible to many people. In most restaurants or even some homes, after finishing a meal, we are offered a delicious treat.  The dessert is typically a snack with high levels of sugar such as cake, ice cream or chocolate.  One dessert-like snack that gets taste buds salivating is a macaron which is mainly ganache, buttercream or jam sandwiched between a merengue round cake or cookie. This snack has its origin in France.  The delicious ingredients include ground almond, granulated sugar, egg white, food coloring and icing sugar.  Macarons can be found in a variety of flavors such as chocolate, raspberry among others and are available in many countries all over the world.

These small tasty treats actually have some benefits to the human body.  They can give off some energy from the protein in the egg white and the almond flour.  They also have very low sodium and cholesterol levels.  The snack has small amounts of dietary fiber and carbohydrates, as well as vitamin a, iron and calcium.  Additionally, macarons contain salt, which under normal circumstances can be a concerning ingredient, but the amount is rather minuscule, rendering it harmless in moderation.

However, despite these benefits, the snack has numerous side effects as well, since it contains high sugar levels, which do not provide any essential nutrients.  One of the most obvious consequences of regular indulgence in macarons is deteriorating tooth health.  The added sugar is high in fructose, which can overwhelm the liver.  The sugar overload can also cause insulin resistance, leading to diabetes.  These excessive amounts of sugar are known for their contribution to high levels of inflammation, which is the leading cause of pain in the human body.

Macarons also contain heaps of calories which significantly contribute to weight gain and nutrient deficiencies. A lot of calories can, in the long run, lead to obesity both among children and adults. Sugar causes a release of dopamine in the brain making it highly addictive. The primary problem that occurs with macarons, as with any sweet indulgence is an individual can never eat just one. After three or four you have multiplied your “trash” intake exponentially and this becomes the unhealthy part of macarons. It is also important to point out the potential for food allergies, especially with products made from nuts.  

Nevertheless, this delicacy has stood the test of time over the years and despite the many health risks, experts recommend that those who cannot handle the effects of sugar to avoid it or enjoy low levels. Macarons can also be made using organic ingredients that decrease the adverse effects that these delightful desserts may present.

At the moment, macarons are available in Switzerland, Korea, and Japan among others, and March 20th celebrates “Macaron Day” globally. Since the snack is easy to make, many people opt to prepare them in the comfort of their homes. The snack is known as a popular gift between friends or lovers. Just consume responsibly!