Ice cream is the dessert of summer, but did you know what the benefits of consuming it all year round are? Discover its nutritional properties and how to do it at home.
There are those who reserve them for the summer, but due to their nutritional values, the truth is that ice cream can be consumed throughout the year. The most popular ice creams are those with chocolate, cream, phrase and vanilla, although for years the flavors have been increasing, offering everything from berries, to clouds or coffee. And although it is traditionally made with milk, did you know that there are also vegan ice cream options, even to make at home?
Various studies have shown that, thanks to its vitamins and minerals, it is not necessary to take it for dessert, but rather as a snack or with food, as long as they are not substituted for the nutrients in the form of fish or vegetables that should be taken all the days.
As long as it is not abused, as with other types of food, it is feasible and healthy to eat when it suits you.
Nutritional benefits of ice cream
Ice creams are good for your health. At first, we can highlight that they provide vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, which is good for the growth and strengthening of bones. So it is not only good for children but for the elderly or elderly who need calcium.
According to a recent study, the consumption of 100 grams of dairy-based ice cream represents between 10% and 19% of the recommended daily intake of calcium. The same study shows that the caloric intake of 100 grams of milk-based ice cream represents from 5% to 12%, approximately, of the recommended daily amount of energy (RDA), according to age and type of ice cream.
Besides calcium, ice creams are rich in fiber; thus the bacterial flora is regulated. They carry lipids, protein, minerals and amino acids, being perfect for a rich, healthy and nutritious diet for the body. Ice cream provides us with vitamins A, B-6, B-12, C, D and E, and it contains phosphorus.
And, also, far from what you may think, as long as they are consumed in the right measure, ice creams also help you lose weight, because they do not make you fat and reduce weight. It is clear that the more artisanal the ice cream, the better, because as in other cases, industrialized processes can reduce the benefits they really have.
Fruit ice creams and frozen yogurts are perhaps the healthiest as they provide the benefits of both fruits and yogurt at the same time. They are delicious and while we drink something that excites us, we do health.
Other health benefits of ice cream
Maximum hydration
Another of their advantages is that, in hot months, they have the virtue of refreshing and hydrating us. Hydration is very important to withstand the heat, renew the skin, and purify the body. Of course, some ice creams have more quantity than water than others.
Good for mental health
The ice creams are tasty and very rich, in fact it is the favorite dessert for children whatever the season of the year, but especially in hot months. And it is that not only do they provide nutritional values for the body, but ice cream is beneficial for the mind.
Professionals point out that ice cream is antidepressant. It makes us be more cheerful, positive and with a lot of vitality. They reduce stress to a great extent, since ice cream is related to childhood and is a reason for celebration or the arrival of summer, a festive time that we all look forward to during the year.
Vanilla ice cream recipe
To make at home, we recommend the recipe for a low-calorie ice cream, which can be made at home and easily.
Ingredients:
- 40 g of granulated sweetener or light sugar
- 3 egg whites
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
- 250 g of light heavy cream
Preparation:
- First, beat the egg whites until stiff with the 40 g of light sugar, then add the three yolks together with the vanilla essence. Subsequently, the cream is beaten and poured over the previous mixture, while everything is stirred.
- It is time to pour the result into a mold and then it is taken to the freezer so that the mixture is frozen. We will let it rest for about 12 hours.
