What Are the Health Benefits of Homemade Ice Cream?
When consumed in moderation, any type of ice cream, whether store-bought or homemade, has nutritional benefits that add to a healthy lifestyle. Ice cream is not considered an empty food because of its high levels of calcium, protein and various vitamins. However, by making ice cream at home, the health benefits of ice cream increase significantly while maintaining the intrinsic dairy values.
Sugar Control
Dairy is part of a healthy diet despite its high animal fat content. Few people would argue that dairy and milk are unhealthy substances when consumed in moderation. Milk (whole and reduced-fat) and cream are the two main ingredients in ice cream. The unhealthy reputation derives from the high sugar content present in most ice creams. By making your own ice cream, you can control the type and amount of sugar added. There are many alternatives to caster or superfine sugar, such as raw sugar or honey, or even added ingredients such as fruits. By lowering the sugar levels, you are lowering both the calorie and carbohydrate content.
No Artificial Additives
You also have full reign over what flavoring ingredients are added. Commercial ice creams contain many artificial flavoring additives and chemical preservatives that help enhance the flavor. Homemade ice cream contains only what you put in it. If you make strawberry ice cream, it will contain strawberries, not strawberry flavoring.
Fresh Ingredients
It is impossible to know when the ingredients, such as fruits and nuts, in a commercial ice cream were picked and processed. Homemade ice cream has the benefit of allowing you to use only fresh and seasonal ingredients, rather than frozen or canned. Fresh fruits have the benefit of full nutritional value as well as superior taste.
Calcium, Protein and Vitamins
Dairy foods are responsible for 75 percent of our daily needed intake of calcium, ice cream included. One half-cup serving of ice cream provides about one-sixth of the daily calcium need, but who can eat just a half cup of ice cream? Dairy also contains a high level of protein: One serving of whole milk contains 8 grams of protein. By adding an egg custard base to your ice cream, you increase the protein content dramatically. The dairy found in ice cream also provides essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamins A, D, B12 and riboflavin.
Variant Flavors
Homemade ice cream is at the mercy of your imagination. There are many flavors that you won't find in a supermarket, such as sweet corn, tea, goat cheese and so on. Vegetables, though unheard of in American ice cream culture, are popular in ice creams around the world. In Brazil, sweet corn ice cream is a favorite, while in Italy it is fairly common to find artichoke ice cream at gelato shops. Experiment with flavors that may produce a healthy yet surprisingly tasty result.
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