With summer well underway, ice cream shops all over the nation have been serving up cold and delicious treats of many flavors to customers of all ages.
But can ice cream be part of a healthy diet? And does a particular ice cream flavor have a big impact on the food’s nutritional value?
“Food is [about] a lot more than calories, sugar and fat,” he said.
Ice cream “can absolutely be part of a healthy diet,” one doctor said. But there are caveats. (iStock)
“The key is moderation and balance,” he said. “Enjoying a scoop occasionally can help manage sweet cravings, which might make it easier to stick to healthy eating goals.”
“Ice cream, because of the fat, is a very satisfying indulgence,” she said.
“Meaning, you should be able to eat a cone and be done. Just be careful and don’t dive into a pint with a spoon.”
Both chocolate ice cream and vanilla ice cream are delightful treats adored by many. But is there a healthier choice? (iStock)
“C15:0 has been linked to slowing our biological age at the cellular level. It targets multiple longevity pathways, strengthens our cells against age-related breakdown, and supports our long-term heart, metabolic, and liver health,” she said.
Does the Flavor of Ice Cream Matter?
The debate of chocolate ice cream vs. vanilla ice cream poses an interesting question: How significant is the flavor in terms of health benefits?
Experts like Mohr and Glassman assert that it may not matter as greatly as one would think.
{“Nutritionally, chocolate and vanilla ice cream are relatively similar,” Mohr said. “The more important factors to look for are the quality and ingredients used, along with added ingredients like candies and caramel, which typically contribute extra calories, sugars, and saturated fats.” }
Glassman concurs, emphasizing the “type and quality of the ice cream” instead of the classic flavor debate.
“Be diligent while checking ingredient labels. Look for products made from real ingredients, like cream, milk, cocoa, and vanilla beans,” she stressed.
“Beware of artificial additives like dyes and gums often found in many ice cream products.”
For a healthier approach to indulgence, obtaining “the highest quality ingredients” is advisable, Glassman suggested.
Add nutrient-dense toppings such as dark chocolate, nuts, or fresh fruit while enjoying the experience, she recommended.
Ice cream has a high fat content, indicating that a simple cone or scoop can be satisfying, according to expert opinion. (iStock)
Mohr suggested utilizing a unique method to increase nutritional value while savoring ice cream.
“Try adding fresh fruits or nuts on top or bottom, turning the ice cream into the topping rather than the base,” he advised.
This transition enhances the nutritional profile while still relishing the ice cream flavor.
If calorie-cutting is a priority, soft-serve ice cream presents an alternative; it often contains more air and additional texture additives, making it less calorie-dense.
Hard-serve ice cream, on the other hand, is generally more concentrated in calories.
Surprisingly, ice cream holds essential fatty acids that may contribute to the slowing of aging. (iStock)
Regardless of type, Mohr insisted that both varieties can fit within a well-balanced diet, provided they are consumed in moderation. Checking nutrition labels is wise if health is a concern. What one does consistently carries more significance than occasional indulgence.
“What you do most of the time is always more important than what you do some of the time.”
“I usually preferred vanilla but have lately found myself leaning more towards chocolate,” Mohr said.
Surveys reveal a notable preference for vanilla among many. Meanwhile, Glassman expressed her penchant for a high-quality vanilla bean, despite typically being a chocolate fan.
As the sun shines brighter and ice cream shops buzz with patrons, the simple act of enjoying a scoop becomes a moment of pure joy. It’s less about the flavor but more about the experiences shared over those delightful treats. So whether it’s chocolate or vanilla, perhaps it’s time to embrace the small pleasures that life offers, reminding ourselves of the joy that lies in savoring each delectable bite.
Fox News Contributed to this Article – Source
