Donut is one of the easiest things to think about when it comes to looking for something to snack.  Donuts come in variety of shapes, colors and design; some are baked while some are fried. Last Tuesday, you’ve read how we can have nutritious burger, today, you can test a donut recipe which will include some ingredients with well-know healthy properties. Have the ingredients below and follow the mixing and cooking instructions:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
• 1 tablespoon
baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon
ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons
vegetable oil  
• 1 quart vegetable oil
for frying

Mixing and cooking directions:

• Whisk the flour, flaxseed, baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon together in a bowl until evenly blended; set aside. Beat the eggs and sugar together in a separate bowl; whisk the buttermilk and two tablespoons of vegetable oil into the egg mixture. Stir the flour mixture into the egg mixture until no lumps of flour remain and the dough is firm enough to handle. Cover the bowl and refrigerate at least 10 minutes.

• Roll the dough to 1/2-inch thickness on a generously-floured surface. Use a floured donut cutter to cut donut shapes out of the dough. Let the donuts stand for five to 10 minutes as the oil heats.

• Heat the frying oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan.

• Fry the donuts in the hot oil in batches until golden brown on both sides, about two minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.

Now let’s look into what we can have from this aromatic and appetizing fried doughnut:

Flaxseed as a source of omega-3 fatty acid. Nothing more about this needs further explanation as omega-3 fatty acids (tagged as “good fat”) are very well known to be helpful in lowering cholesterol, stabilizing blood sugar, lowering risks of some forms of cancer and even reducing the inflammation the accompanies certain illnesses like Parkinson’s disease and asthma.

Nutmeg, used as a healing herb for centuries, nutmeg oil has the ability to stimulate the brain (helps relieve stress and stimulates mental activity). Some scientists are looking into nutmeg’s potential to improve concentration.

Cinnamon, known to have an anti-clotting and anti-microbial actions, cinnamon has gained a lot of recognition as a spice and medicinal plant. It’s health-giving properties comes from its essential oil which contains active components called cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol, plus a wide range of other volatile substances.

While you now know that some donuts can be healthy, one should still take note of the caloric content that it can add up into your diet. A typical donut which is sugared or glazed can have as much as 175 calories; one medium chocolate coated or frosted donut can have 203 calories; one medium donut with crème filling can have 306 calories.

(Write the author at wellbeing@mb.com.ph.)