Fruitcake Nutritional Value

Fruitcake may be the number one re-gifted item; there are rumors that the first one ever made is still being passed along. While there is a stigma that is associated with fruitcake, if you are someone who secretly enjoys this holiday treat, some nutritional information is provided below.

Even though the name implies a healthy dessert or snack, fruitcake has little nutritional value; however it does have some redeeming features that give it salvation. Despite the fact that fruitcake is made with sugar, butter and flour, a typical serving size has only about 200 calories. This number can vary based on size of the slice, and number of ingredients that are added to the batter.

While the fruit in the cake is candied fruit that is loaded with sugar, fruitcake often has a variety of nuts such as walnuts, pecans and almonds. These nuts are a great source of protein which helps promote a feeling of satiety. Nuts are only one source of protein that dieters use. Other popular protein sources include whey protein shakes and eggs, (eggs are also an ingredient in fruitcake.)

Some fruitcake also has some fiber in it. This can be found from ingredients such as dates and figs. Again, this is not the optimal sources for protein and fiber, but a little is better than nothing at all. What sets apart the good fruitcake from the bad is how dry or moist it is. To keep cakes moist, months of soaking the cake in some form of alcohol is done to keep the cake flavorful as well as moist. Since the cake is not baked, the full effects of alcohol can be felt. This is important to remember since reaction time can be affected just as sleep deprivation and reaction time are related; alcohol consumption and reaction time are also affected.

In conclusion, while fruitcake is not good for the diet, it is not all that devastating either, as long as it is eaten in moderation. It is after all the holidays, and one should eat, drink and be merry!

Susan Patterson has been studying alternative medicine and health for over 10 years. She loves to write to help others, especially in the area of quick weight loss [http://www.weightdepot.com] which can be accomplished safely. She has found several herbal remedies to be effective in her journey to better health without the side effects that medications cause. She is particularly passionate about Hoodia for weight loss.

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