As a nutritionist with a keen interest in the caloric content of various foods, I often get asked about the caloric value of different items, including those that may not be as commonly consumed in certain regions. One such item that has piqued curiosity is grass jelly, a popular dessert in many Asian cultures. To provide a comprehensive answer, let's delve into the nutritional profile of grass jelly and how it fits into a balanced diet.

Grass Jelly Overview:
Grass jelly, also known as "lei teeng" or "仙人草" in Chinese, is a gelatin-like dessert made from the grass known as mesona chinensis or Arthrocnemum indicum. It is a traditional ingredient in Chinese medicine, valued for its cooling properties and believed to help with various health conditions.

Caloric Content:
When considering the caloric content of grass jelly, it's important to note that the specific amount can vary based on the brand and preparation method. However, we can use a specific product as a reference point. According to the Chao Kuay Grass Jelly product label, a 330-g serving of grass jelly contains 184 calories. This figure is a good starting point for our discussion.

Daily Caloric Intake:
To put this into perspective, the average recommended daily caloric intake for an adult can range from 1,800 to 2,200 calories, depending on factors such as age, sex, weight, and activity level. With this in mind, the 184 calories found in a 330-g serving of grass jelly would represent approximately 9 percent of your total recommended daily calorie intake based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Nutritional Breakdown:
While grass jelly is relatively low in calories, it's also important to consider its nutritional breakdown. Grass jelly is primarily composed of water and natural polysaccharides, which give it its characteristic texture. It is low in protein and fat, and it contains some carbohydrates, mostly in the form of simple sugars that come from the sweeteners added during preparation.

Role in a Balanced Diet:
Grass jelly can be a part of a balanced diet, especially when consumed in moderation. It provides a refreshing, low-calorie alternative to heavier desserts. However, due to its low nutritional content, it should not be relied upon as a significant source of nutrients. It's best enjoyed as a treat or a complement to a meal that provides a more comprehensive array of nutrients.

Factors Affecting Caloric Content:
Several factors can affect the caloric content of grass jelly. These include the specific brand, whether it's homemade or store-bought, the type and amount of sweeteners used, and any additional ingredients or toppings that may be added, such as fruit, milk, or condensed milk.

Health Benefits and Considerations:
Grass jelly is not just a dessert; it's also valued for its potential health benefits. It's said to have cooling effects that can help alleviate symptoms of heat stroke and reduce body temperature. However, as with any food, it's important to consume it in moderation and as part of a varied diet to ensure you're getting a wide range of nutrients.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, grass jelly is a low-calorie dessert option that can fit into a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation. With its cooling properties and traditional use in Chinese medicine, it offers more than just a sweet treat. However, it's crucial to be mindful of the overall nutritional balance in your diet and to not rely on any single food as your primary source of nutrition.

References:
- "Grass Jelly Nutrition Facts" from Chao Kuay Grass Jelly product label.
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Now, let's proceed with the translation into Chinese.

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Few Calories. According to the Chao Kuay Grass Jelly product label, a 330-g serving of grass jelly contains 184 calories. This represents approximately 9 percent of your total recommended daily calorie intake based on a 2,000-calorie diet.Jul 27, 2011read more >>