Calories in Ice-cream Nutrition facts and health benefits

Ice cream: A delectable treat that brings a grin from ear to ear for people of all ages. From the scorching heat in the summers to the chilly winters it is a dessert consumed all year round. It indulges the eater and provides utmost pleasure by cheering up the mood. From a variety of flavors to choose from it gives an array of options to the consumer. Each one has different preferences, while some enjoy the classic tender coconut some people go for a much livelier flavor like spice Guava. Although Ice cream is good for the tongue, the same does not apply to your body. Ice creams are generally filled with calories and contain unhealthy amounts of fats. The thicker and creamier the ice cream is, the higher the amounts of calories and sugar it consists of. Moreover, in some ice creams where artificial sweeteners like sugar alcohols are used to reduce calories, they can increase the likelihood of constipation. Some doctors believe that homemade ice cream is the ultimate solution.

Nutrition Facts of Vanilla Ice Cream (100gms)

Nutrition Facts of Chocolate Ice Cream (100gms)

Health Benefits:

Although Ice cream is generally considered unhealthy, it does offer a few benefits which are as discussed below:

• Releases Endorphins (Happy Hormones):

Consumption of ice cream tends to uplift the mood and encourages one to shift the focus from negativity to positivity. It releases hormones like endorphins from the brain which give a sense of satisfaction and joy.

• Source of Minerals:

Ice cream is mainly made up of milk, so it is said to be extremely rich in calcium and fats.  Additionally, it also contains numerous vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D and phosphorus, which make it a nutritious treat for the consumer.

• Better gut health:

There are a number of probiotic ice creams available in the market. They help to improve gut health. However, they need to be low on sugar to provide the benefit.

• Boosts energy:

Ice cream is a source of carbohydrates that provides a sudden boost of energy. It's loaded with simple sugars which spikes blood glucose levels when they dip.

Adverse effects of Ice-cream:

• Increase in Blood sugar:

The huge amounts of sugar used in the preparation of ice cream increase the chances of Diabetes and other health issues. It may also cause a person to feel lazy and annoyed by causing spikes in blood sugar levels.

• Oral health concerns:

The sugar used in ice creams can cause tooth decay and cavities by dissolving the enamel through bacterial growth. Consuming ice cream more often and not taking Adequate care of your teeth may lead to additional concerns.

• Increased chances of chronic disease:

Habitually consuming fattening ice creams with high content of sugar may lead to chronic diseases like obesity and fatty liver. Moreover, a person should avoid consuming ice cream routinely to avoid these types of diseases.

• Heart problems:

Ice cream is said to have high contents of saturated fat, which can significantly amplify levels of cholesterol. Additionally, it can cause blockage in the arteries leading to problems like heart attacks.

• Addictive:

Ice cream is something that is light and can be consumed in large quantities during states of stress eating and midnight munching. Besides it's a desert people think twice to refuse for, due to its addictive potential.

How much Ice-cream should you consume in a day?

The ideal quantity of Ice-cream consumption depends on several factors, which include overall calorie needs, activity level, and dietary restrictions. Home-made ice cream is usually a much healthier option as you can control the calorie intake as well as the contents of sugar according to your dietary goals. It is advised that you shouldn't consume ice cream on a daily basis due to its high fat and dairy content. Eating ice cream is completely an enjoyable treat but you need to keep in mind the potential effects of consuming it in excess.

Conclusion:

Ice cream continues to be one of the most loved desserts around the world. By making simple swaps, like choosing sugar-free, low-fat, or dairy-free ice creams one can satisfy themselves as well as prevent the health issues that come with it. It is essential to remember that a balanced diet with ice cream in limited quantities occasionally is fine. Staying mindful is the key!

Author:

Sidra Patel

Nutritionist & Lifestyle Consultant

Founder: Eating Smart with Sidra Patel

www.eatingsmart.in