Ice cream is created using dairy products such as cow's milk and cream and adding flavors, sugar and air. It is a frozen dessert produced by slowly stirring and cooling the ingredients to create a smooth, sweet consistency. Typically served chilled, ice cream comes in a wide variety of flavors and often has different additives such as fruit, cookies, candy or chocolate. According to the Northern American labeling standards, ice cream must contain a minimum of 10 percent milk fat and 20 percent milk solids.
Ice cream has a crucial part in any healthy diet because it is high in calcium, a nutrient that has been found to increase bone mass while decreasing belly fat and overall body weight. In addition, calcium has been shown to control blood pressure, reduce the risk of certain cancers, relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and decrease the incidence of hypertension. In addition, the bone density benefits of calcium can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis in both children and adults later in life.
What to Look for
Ice cream comes in a wide array of brands, flavors and formats, but the most natural sources of ice cream are generally advised for improved health. Try choosing ice cream with fewer than eight ingredients listed on the package, minimal sugar and additives and a simple flavor (such as chocolate, strawberry or vanilla). Ice cream that uses the most pure, natural ingredients is the healthiest choice for dietetic well-being, and it's important to check the sugar content of the chosen brand.
Ice cream can be created to suit the food allergies of consumers by eliminating the use of dairy as an ingredient. These nondairy and vegan sources of ice cream are typically made with soy and lactose-free ingredients.
Common Pitfalls
Although ice cream is high in calcium, it can also be extremely high in calories, fat and sugar. The majority of ice cream available in grocery stores has chemical additives and unhealthy ingredients such as candies and chocolate. Ice cream purchased in stores can often be extremely high in unhealthy preservatives and stabilizers, while ice cream sundaes are typically coated in fatty toppings and sauces. Portion size is a crucial aspect of ice cream consumption, because a good thing can quickly become too much of a good thing, so it's important to follow the advised portions noted on the individual package.
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