Is there anything more comforting than a delicious ice cream in the middle of the scorching summer heat? Let's face it, ice cream is one of those sweet sins that is hard to resist, especially this season.
Ice cream is made from milk, cream, sugar and other ingredients that are mixed to obtain a creamy and delicious dessert. Different flavorings such as vanilla, cocoa or fruit are often added to ice cream, along with other colors or sweeteners to make the taste even more special.
We all know ice cream is delicious, but can it be healthy?
At its core, ice cream is a treat and I don't think we should try to turn it into something horrible," says nutritionist Frances Largeman-Roth.
Traditional ice cream is made with whole milk and heavy cream. It's usually high in calories and saturated fat, and depending on how it's sweetened, it also has sugar. The high fat content is what gives ice cream its creamy texture. Real ice cream can also be packed with nutrients, such as calcium, potassium and vitamin D. Fresh fruit or nuts added to ice cream have added vitamins, antioxidants and minerals.
Ice cream may not be a health food, but when eaten in moderation it can be part of a healthy diet, experts say. "I think that enjoying foods that give us pleasure is part of living a full and healthy life," says Largeman-Roth.
"If you love ice cream, you don't have to avoid it at all costs. "Just eat a smaller amount," says nutritionist Natalie Rizzo.
Which ice creams are the healthiest?
There are endless flavors and choices, but there are a few elements to keep in mind:
-Ingredients
The best ice creams are those with cream, milk and egg yolks, as far as additional ingredients are concerned, the best are fruits, nuts and chocolate, according to experts.
-Less added sugar
Another thing to look for is less added sugar per serving. The American Heart Association suggests that women limit total added sugars to six teaspoons (25 grams) a day, and men to nine teaspoons (36 grams) a day.
- Less cream
The less cream means less fat and less health problems.
Choose to make your ice cream at home
When making ice cream at home, it is easier to control the amount of added sugar, and to give the ice cream a super taste, experts say to choose healthy flavorings, such as fresh fruit, berries, nuts, dark chocolate or matcha powder.
Healthier Ice Cream Alternatives:
-Frozen yogurt
Yogurt is full of nutrients and probiotics, which support gut and heart health. Frozen yogurt will have much less saturated fat than ice cream, so you can enjoy it as ice cream. Add some fresh fruit and you're good to go.
- Kasata
The cassettes are refreshing for both children and adults. They are usually lower in fat and calories than traditional ice cream and there are a variety of ingredients you can make them with.
-Sorbet
Sorbet is made using ice, fruit puree, fruit juice and other ingredients. This can be a refreshing option, especially in summer.
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Source: Today
